China has filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization, claiming that anti-subsidy taxes on new electric vehicles built in China have been unfairly imposed by the EU.
The Chinese diplomatic mission to the World Trade Organization stated on Monday that it “strongly opposes” the regulations and that its action was taken to safeguard the electric vehicle (EV) sector and promote the worldwide shift to greener technology.
Alleging that Chinese shipments were unjustly undercutting EU industry prices, the European group declared last month that it would impose import taxes of up to 35% on Chinese electric vehicles. Unless an agreeable agreement can be reached, the duties will remain in effect for five years.
Electric vehicles have emerged as a key flashpoint in a larger trade dispute concerning the impact of Chinese government subsidies on European markets and Beijing’s growing exports of green technology to the bloc.
Laptops 1000According to the mission’s statement, China claimed that the EU action amounted to “protectionist” measures and “an abuse of trade remedies” that contravenes WTO regulations.
Last week, EU Commission executive vice president Valdis Dombrovskis described the measures as “proportionate and targeted,” to promote fair market practices and bolster the bloc’s industrial base.
