In a bid to avert EU tariffs, China proposed a minimum price of €30,000 for imported electric vehicles, but Brussels rejected the offer. The European Commission dismissed the proposal as part of an anti-subsidy investigation, escalating trade tensions between the two economic powerhouses.
With electric cars in China priced significantly lower than in Europe and the US, negotiations have focused on pricing thresholds to prevent flooding the European market with cheaper vehicles that local rivals cannot compete with. The differences in pricing are due to cost advantages enjoyed by Chinese carmakers, including subsidies and access to raw materials.
The clock is ticking, as EU tariffs on Chinese EVs are set to be imposed next month unless a negotiated deal is reached. Both sides are exploring alternatives, with the possibility of individual minimum prices for each carmaker and model type. Flexible pricing commitments and import quotas are also on the table as negotiations continue.
Stay tuned for updates on this high-stakes trade dispute that could reshape the electric vehicle market in Europe.