China has agreed to enter talks with the EU over its decision to impose higher tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, during a visit to Beijing by Germany’s vice-chancellor aimed at soothing tensions.
Robert Habeck, minister for economic affairs and climate action, welcomed the move by China to enter discussions with Brussels on EU tariffs but said it was “a first step and many more will be necessary”.
His comments came after China’s ministry of commerce said Beijing and Brussels had agreed to launch consultations on an anti-subsidy investigation launched by the EU last year. The probe led to a decision this month to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs to as high as 48 per cent.