China files a complaint with WTO over EU tariffs on electric vehicles

China has officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This information is reported by Bloomberg, citing the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

China filed a case with the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. The Ministry of Commerce stated that they took this action to safeguard the rights and interests of the electric vehicle industry.

Beijing’s relations with the EU have deteriorated significantly in recent months as the bloc aligns its policies with those of the US.

Last month, the EU imposed temporary tariffs of 37.6% on imports of certain cars from China following a months-long investigation into Chinese state aid to electric vehicle manufacturers.

“We call on the EU to immediately correct its mistakes and work together to protect economic and trade cooperation between China and the EU, as well as the stability of the electric vehicle supply chain,” the spokeswoman said.

China has already threatened to retaliate against European farmers and aircraft manufacturers, and it has launched an anti-dumping investigation against the French alcohol industry.

“The judgment in the EU’s preliminary opinion has no factual or legal basis. It grossly violates WTO rules and undermines global cooperation in the fight against climate change,” the ministry spokesman said.

An EU investigation led to the decision to impose provisional tariffs of 38% on electric vehicles imported from China. The move could cut imports of electric vehicles by a quarter.

EU member states are likely to support the proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in November.