SAIC and Geely Deny Independent EU Tariff Negotiations
Chinese automakers SAIC Motor and Geely have explicitly denied engaging in private tariff negotiations with the European Commission regarding their electric vehicles. In statements to Chinese media, both companies clarified that they have consistently coordinated with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), the authorized body for industry-wide talks. This denial follows criticism from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which warned that separate deals could undermine bilateral negotiations. Despite this, an EU document revealed that SAIC, Volvo, and Smart submitted alternative price commitment proposals as contingencies. Concurrently, SAIC announced it is filing a lawsuit at the European Union’s Court of Justice to challenge the newly implemented additional tariffs, which range up to 35.3% for SAIC. The Chinese government remains opposed to the EU's ruling and continues consultations aimed at establishing a price floor for Chinese EVs. These developments highlight the escalating trade tensions between China and the EU over the automotive sector, with significant legal and diplomatic maneuvers underway as both sides attempt to resolve the dispute following talks between trade officials in Brussels.
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SAIC and Geely Deny Independent EU Tariff Negotiations
Chinese automakers SAIC Motor and Geely have explicitly denied engaging in private tariff negotiations with the European Commission regarding their electric vehicles. In statements to Chinese media, both companies clarified that they have consistently coordinated with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), the authorized body for industry-wide talks. This denial follows criticism from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which warned that separate deals could undermine bilateral negotiations. Despite this, an EU document revealed that SAIC, Volvo, and Smart submitted alternative price commitment proposals as contingencies. Concurrently, SAIC announced it is filing a lawsuit at the European Union’s Court of Justice to challenge the newly implemented additional tariffs, which range up to 35.3% for SAIC. The Chinese government remains opposed to the EU's ruling and continues consultations aimed at establishing a price floor for Chinese EVs. These developments highlight the escalating trade tensions between China and the EU over the automotive sector, with significant legal and diplomatic maneuvers underway as both sides attempt to resolve the dispute following talks between trade officials in Brussels.
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