EU, China in talks on minimum prices for electric vehicles – Reuters

The European Union and China have begun discussions on the possibility of introducing minimum prices for Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), Reuters reported.

The move could serve as an alternative to the tariffs the EU imposed last year.

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič spoke with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao within the past 24 hours. According to an EU official, both sides agreed to consider minimum pricing as a way forward.

China's Ministry of Commerce released a statement saying talks on the matter should begin “immediately.”

The EU raised tariffs on Chinese EVs to as much as 45.3% in October 2024, citing unfair subsidies and market distortion. However, Brussels and Beijing are now exploring a negotiated solution that could lead to tariff reductions if China commits to enforceable minimum pricing on its EV exports.