EU Tariffs on China-made EV imports get support from Italy

Italy supports the European Commission’s tariffs on China-made electric vehicle (EV) imports, commented Italian Foreign Minister Tajani. 

“We support the duties that the EU Commission proposes to protect the competitiveness of our companies,” Tajani told Courier della Sera. 

Tajani met with China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao following his statement. Italy’s Foreign Minister discussed the protection of intellectual property along with trade and investment in the agri-food sector with Wang. According to Reuters, the two ministers also discussed the war in Ukraine as well as the crisis in Gaza and the Red Sea. Italy reportedly requested that China handle the issue of arms supplies to Russia and shipping safety in the Red Sea. 

In July, China’s Ministry of Commerce told Chinese automakers not to invest in India. It also strongly advised against investing in Russia and Turkey. The Ministry also discussed the risks of building car factories in Europe and Thailand. 

The Ministry of Commerce’s advice to Chinese automakers conflicts with Italy’s plans to attract car makers from China. Italy has shown interest in Chinese automakers and potential car factory investments from brands like Chery Auto and Dongfeng. Tajani assured the public that his position on the Commission’s tariffs did not compromise Italy’s relations with China. 

While in Italy, Wang also met with the President of the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry, Roberto Vavassori. They discussed the Commission’s anti-subsidy investigation on China-made EVs, which concluded with tariffs on Chinese EV imports. China has allegedly been talking with EU member state leaders to persuade them against approving the Commission’s tariffs. 

So far, Spain has openly opposed the Commission’s tariffs on China-made EV imports. Spain is calling for a compromise with China to prevent potential damage to trade relations. 

China has already responded with anti-subsidy investigations on European products, including alcohol, pork, and dairy products. It has also filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the EU’s tariffs on EV imports made in China.

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