Brussels Discussions on EV Pricing with China

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Any agreement with Chinese producers regarding minimum prices for electric vehicles (EVs) must be as effective and enforceable as the recent EU tariffs, stated the future EU trade chief on Monday.

The EU imposed tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, reaching as high as 45.3%, last Wednesday. However, negotiations for price undertakings—which involve minimum price commitments for imported cars—are still in progress.

Maros Sefcovic, the European commissioner-designate for trade, mentioned that EU trade officials are currently in China for discussions. He emphasized the necessity for any price undertakings to match the effectiveness of the newly introduced import duties, which he described as absolutely key for the EU.

Sefcovic is part of 26 commissioners nominated by Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU executive, and is undergoing hearings at the European Parliament this week and next. The incoming Commission requires parliamentary approval before commencing operations.

Sefcovic, hailing from Slovakia, has served as a commissioner with various responsibilities since 2009.