Chinese trade promotion council opposes EU tariff hikes on Chinese EVs

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a national foreign trade and investment promotion agency, said on Saturday that it opposes EU tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and support both China and Europe in continuing dialogue and negotiations to resolve frictions.

On Friday, representatives from EU member states voted to approve the final ruling on the EU anti-subsidy case presented by the European Commission -- the executive arm of the 27-nation EU, which proposes the imposition of anti-subsidy duties on EVs imported from China.

The Chinese business community has been closely following the EU's anti-subsidy case against EVs from China. They have fully expressed their opinions at every stage, including filing, preliminary rulings, and final rulings, with a clear and firm stance, according to a statement of the CCPIT.

"We strongly oppose the EU's blatant disregard for the flourishing collaboration within the EV sector between China and Europe. We firmly stand against the EU's neglect of relevant facts and investigation protocols, and its refusal to rectify erroneous conclusions. We firmly oppose the EU's imposition of anti-subsidy duties on Chinese EVs," said the statement.

It also noted that Chinese companies in EV industry have consistently cooperated with the European side in investigations with the utmost sincerity, and hope to resolve China-Europe EV trade disputes under WTO rules through measures such as pricing commitments.

Deepening cooperation in the China-Europe EV industry aligns with the interests of EU consumers, fosters innovation in the global EV sector, and will significantly contribute to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting green, low-carbon development, said the statement.

Recently, the CCPIT has organized multiple visits to Europe by delegations of Chinese entrepreneurs, engaging in extensive and in-depth exchanges with the European business community.

Both sides call for the respect of market principles and the spirit of contract, oppose trade protectionism, and uphold the interests of enterprises on both sides, ensuring the stable and smooth operation of the global industry supply chains, including the EV sector.

The CCPIT and the China Chamber of International Commerce will closely monitor the developments of this case and actively support both China and Europe in continuing dialogue and negotiations to properly address differences, resolve frictions, and swiftly reach a solution that aligns with the mutual interests of both sides and complies with WTO rules, according to the statement. This will further advance the healthy and stable development of China-Europe economic and trade relations, it said.

The CCPIT will continue to prioritize serving both domestic and foreign enterprises, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with business communities worldwide, including relevant EU enterprises, to promote mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, so as to inject more stability and positive energy into global economic development, the statement added.

Chinese trade promotion council opposes EU tariff hikes on Chinese EVs

Chinese trade promotion council opposes EU tariff hikes on Chinese EVs

China has seen rising sales of products such as cars and home appliances, during the week-long National Day holiday, which started on Oct.1, thanks to the ongoing trade-in program for consumer goods.

Shanghai has offered substantial subsidies for consumers replacing old appliances with newer, greener models, further fueling the buying frenzy amid the holiday.

The city's initiative expands upon the national trade-in program by including a wider range of eligible products.

In addition to the eight major appliance categories like refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and air conditioners, the program now covers 60 additional product types, including robot vacuums, air purifiers, and hearing aids. Subsidies cover 15 percent of the sales price, up to a maximum of 2,000 yuan (around 285 U.S. dollars).

"There has been at least a 50 percent to 60 percent increase in customer flow compared to the previous promotional period," said Zhang Xiaoliang, operation director of a home appliance store.

The first three days of October witnessed a total sales revenue of home appliances reaching nearly 300 million yuan (roughly 42.74 billion U.S. dollars) in the city.

Meanwhile, consumer goods trade-in program rolled out by the Shanghai government has spurred rising sales of vehicles.

The subsidy for consumers in Shanghai who scrap old cars and buy new ones has increased to 20,000 yuan (about 2,850 U.S. dollars) for purchasing a new-energy vehicle (NEV) and 15,000 yuan (around 2,137 U.S. dollars) for a fuel vehicle.

"The current sales volume, sales turnover and the number of customers who come for a test drive, have all increased by some 30 percent respectively compared with the same period last year," explained Mr. Zhu, a sales representative at a dealership.

Hefei City in east China's Anhui Province held an auto show from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, attracting many potential purchasers following the implementation of trade-in programs.

In addition to trade-in subsides of up to 20,000 yuan (about 2,850 U.S. dollars), the city has issued auto vouchers worth 37 million yuan (roughly 5.27 U.S. million dollars) to boost auto sales during the consumption boom period.

"The vehicle trade-in policy introduced by Anhui Province has effectively stimulated consumers' purchase intentions. It's a good news for our company. During this auto show, we offered discounts of up to 70,000 yuan (around 9,974 U.S. dollars)," said Yu Dongming, general manager of NIO's regional branch in Hefei.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 4, about 447,000 visitors attended the exhibition, and a total of 18,807 vehicles were sold.

China's trade-in program spurs consumer market vitality during National Day holiday