BEIJING, Feb 12 - China said on Thursday it looks forward to additional Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) manufacturers reaching agreements with the European Union on minimum pricing, signaling a softer stance toward firms negotiating individually with the bloc. During a routine press briefing, commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong said Beijing is prepared to maintain communication with EU officials and noted that both sides back Chinese EV makers "to make good use of price undertakings."
The statement came after the European Commission this week approved a request from German automaker Volkswagen's Cupra brand to exempt its China-built Tavascan SUV coupe from import duties, on condition of an agreed minimum price and a sales quota. That decision marks the first exemption granted since the European Union implemented tariffs targeting China-based EV producers in 2024.
Ministry comments reflect a change in tone from earlier criticism of companies negotiating separate terms with the EU. He Yadong's remarks emphasized continued dialogue between Beijing and Brussels and highlighted mutual support for Chinese EV makers employing price undertakings as part of their market access arrangements.
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The commerce ministry's comment and the EU's approval of the Cupra exemption together underscore a developing pattern in how trade and regulatory negotiations between China-based EV makers and the European Union are unfolding. Beijing's softer response underlines a willingness to see firms pursue bilateral pricing arrangements that may enable access to European markets while adhering to agreed conditions.
Summary
China expressed support for more of its electric-vehicle manufacturers to complete individual minimum-price agreements with the European Union, after the EU approved an exemption for Volkswagen's Cupra Tavascan in exchange for a price commitment and sales quota. The exemption is the first since the EU imposed tariffs on China-based EV makers in 2024.