China and the European Union have agreed to start talks on the planned imposition of tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) being imported into the European market, senior officials of both sides said on Saturday.

The European Commission has announced provisional tariffs of up to 38% on electric vehicles (EVs) of Chinese origin. This decision follows an investigation into subsidies provided by the Chinese government to its EV manufacturers, which allegedly disrupt competition in the European market by lowering production costs significantly in China. Earlier, in May, the US imposed similar tariffs, raising their existing tariff from 25% to 100%.

Vietnam's instant noodles will be exempted from increased food safety control in the EU starting from July 2, as they have met related regulations.

On 1 May 2024, a new free trade agreement between the European Union and New Zealand entered into force, with the aim of eliminating tariffs on goods originating in these countries over the period of seven years. The agreement also provides for quantitative quotas for certain products. Once these quotas are reached, a contractual (standard) tariff rate will apply to imports into the EU.

Restricting open competition in new energy products and technologies will lead to a regression in the European Union's green transition and dampen the confidence of Chinese companies in investing in the EU, said a senior Chinese commerce official in Poland.

In recent years, the trade partnership between China and Europe has blossomed into a mutually beneficial alliance, shaping the global economy and fostering prosperity on both continents.

The EU could soon follow the US and impose duties on imports of Chinese electric vehicles. That's set off alarm bells among German auto CEOs, who fear reprisals from Beijing.

Time: 12/2021 By: Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR)

Time: 30 June 2021 By: The International Trade Centre (ITC) - The U.S

Time: Q1/2021 By: Import-Export Department and Industry and Trade and Industry Information Center - Ministry of Industry and Trade