EU Electric Vehicle Probe Allegedly Biased Against China, Says Chinese Body
A Chinese industry body has criticized the European Union’s investigation into electric vehicles, alleging bias against Chinese manufacturers, lack of transparency, and violation of global trading rules. The investigation, initiated by the European Commission last September, aims to assess whether punitive tariffs should be imposed on Chinese electric vehicle imports benefiting from alleged state subsidies, in order to protect EU producers.
Shi Yonghong, vice president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), expressed concerns regarding the potential distortion and lack of objectivity in the investigation’s findings. These concerns were raised following a hearing between the CCCME and the European Commission.
Yonghong highlighted the selection of companies for sampling by the EU, which excluded top exporters like Tesla and Renault’s Dacia, according to Transport & Environment. He criticized the departure from the principle of selecting the largest exporters and accused the EU of purposely selecting Chinese-owned producers to bias the investigation’s outcome.
Furthermore, Yonghong criticized the lack of transparency in the investigation, citing EU manufacturers’ anonymity and insufficient data provided by the EU regarding the assessment of injury to EU industry.
In response, the European Commission asserted that the investigation would adhere to EU and international obligations, emphasizing its thoroughness, fairness, and fact-based nature.
Yonghong argued that Chinese manufacturers were not harming EU carmakers as they catered to different market segments. He also noted opposition from several EU manufacturers, including BMW, who cautioned that the probe could be detrimental.
Yonghong characterized the investigation as an example of the EU’s double standards, citing the lack of action against subsidies in the U.S. and the EU’s own investments in battery and EV production.
The dispute underscores tensions between the EU and China over trade practices in the electric vehicle sector, highlighting broader concerns about fair competition and adherence to trade rules.
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