China: Pressures from BYD, Saic and Geely to Prevent European Customs

Since November new EU countervailers are to be imposed on electric cars produced by its industries, as the Commission considers it proven that Chinese manufacturers receive illegal subsidies from the Chinese State. In the background, however, China’s efforts to prevent customs duties are under way. According to Handelsblatt, Chinese car manufacturers BYD, Saic and Geely as well as the China Chamber of Commerce for the import and export of machinery and electronic products (CCCME) have now submitted several offers to the Commission. Among other things, they want to increase their prices for exported cars and import quotas. This was first reported by the news portal “Politico”. The Commission does not formally comment on Chinese offers. However, the principle states that tenders should not be taken seriously and are not in line with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The Commission is already working on the Customs Regulation, which it is expected to present to the Member States in September. The duties are expected to enter into force at the beginning of November.