EU Trade Chief Criticizes China’s Unjustified Investigations Into EU Pork, Brandy, and Dairy
According to the European Union (EU) trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, China’s anti-subsidies investigations into brandy, pork, and dairy imported from the EU lack sufficient evidence and are deemed “unwarranted.” Dombrovskis relayed this message during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in Brussels on Sept. 19.
In a constructive meeting, Dombrovskis and Wang agreed to intensify efforts to find a solution that is effective, enforceable, and compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) standards regarding the electric vehicle (EV) case without interfering with the EU investigation processes.
The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, adjusted duties on EVs from China on Aug. 20, proposing tariffs of up to 36.6 percent to level the playing field against what they perceive as unfair advantages gained through substantial subsidies provided by the Chinese government.
While Beijing criticized the EU’s actions as unfair, the Chinese commerce ministry expanded its anti-subsidies investigations into EU imports, including cheese, milk, cream, pork, and brandy.
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Dombrovskis expressed the EU’s concerns to Wang regarding China’s trade defense investigations into brandy, pork, and dairy from the EU, highlighting that these investigations lack evidence and are unwarranted. He also stated that the EU will protect its industries by urging China to terminate these investigations.
China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that negotiations for a mutually acceptable solution have been agreed upon by both parties. However, Wang cautioned that if unreasonable tariffs are imposed by the EU, China will take necessary measures.
EV Tariff Vote Looming
Following the rejection of new price undertakings by Chinese carmakers to avoid tariffs on EVs, the EU is set to vote on imposing five-year duties in the coming weeks. To defeat the introduction of EV duties, a qualified majority of 15 EU member states representing 65 percent of the EU population must vote against the proposals.
Before meeting with the EU trade chief, Wang engaged with Chinese and European EV manufacturers and reiterated his commitment to negotiating until the last minute.
Trade tensions escalated as a result of China’s trade probes into EU products, prompting retaliatory actions from both sides.
In a series of moves, Beijing revealed concerns over the EV industry, considering it essential for controlling the global export market. This strategic move is seen as part of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) broader ambition to expand its export market share and utilize emerging industries like EVs, batteries, and solar panels.
Huang, an economic researcher, highlighted that the CCP’s endeavors in the EV industry are not solely economic but also involve data collection and global control efforts.
By focusing on the EV sector, the CCP aims to tighten its grip on society and enhance surveillance capabilities, which could extend beyond borders, posing concerns about personal data collection and privacy.
Luo Ya and Reuters contributed to this report.
