On Wednesday 4 October, the European Commission published its notice of initiation for the anti-subsidy investigation into battery-powered electric vehicles from China. This marks the start of a procedure that could lead to the imposition of countervailing duties on these products, if the investigation confirms the injury suffered by European companies.
It is also a strong message from the EU to its partner and rival China, following the announcement of this investigation by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (see EUROPE 13249/1).
On the eve of the opening of the enquiry on Tuesday 3 October, MEPs meeting in Strasbourg asked the Commission precisely what further action was planned to try to rebalance economic relations between the EU and China.
However, European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis reiterated that the investigation will be based on objective data, will take account of China’s comments and will be conducted in full compliance with international trade rules. The Commission must conclude its investigation no later than 13 months after the opening, but it could already impose provisional tariffs within 9 months.
See the opening notice: https://aeur.eu/f/8vm (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)