China disappointed at EU's rejection of proposals to avoids duties on EVs

China is deeply disappointed at the European Union's rejection of price offers from China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) producers, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

The European Commission, which is conducting an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-built EVs, said on Thursday it had received offers from electric vehicle makers in China for minimum import prices into the EU as a way of avoiding tariffs, but had rejected all of them.

A spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry on Friday said the commission made the decision in the absence of in-depth communication and disregarded Chinese EV industry's sincerity and efforts.

Working teams from China and the EU have intensively carried out more than 10 rounds of consultations since June 22 when the two sides agreed to launch consultations on anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs, the spokesperson said, adding China has showed its utmost sincerity and put great efforts to resolve friction through dialogue and consultation, taking into consideration the EU's demand. 

"The European Commission's rejection of the relevant proposal without detailed assessment not only undermines the confidence of the Chinese industry to continue cooperation, but also does not meet the expectations of EU member states, let alone its public statement that it hopes to resolve the case through dialogue," the spokesperson said.  "China will follow the development on the EU side closely and take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."