Posted on 27 Jan 2025
Chinese automakers BYD, Geely and SAIC have filed lawsuits at the General Court of the European Union challenging the bloc’s countervailing tariffs on China-made BEVs.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) said Thursday the carmakers challenged the European Commission’s decision “in recent days.” The chamber says it also sued the European Commission alongside the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).
Kallanish has contacted the three automakers for comment.
According to reports, the complaints were filed on 21 January, one day before the challenge deadline expired. Proceedings in the court can last as long as 18 months and appeal is allowed.
“The CCCEU fully supports these legal actions and urges China and the EU to accelerate negotiations. It is crucial to uphold free trade, promote economic growth, and ensure electric vehicles become more affordable for consumers in Europe, China and beyond,” the group states.
Following an anti-subsidy investigation, the EU imposed last year a countervailing tariff of 17% on BYD imports, 18.8% on Geely, and 35.5% on SAIC. These rates are on top of the existing 10% duty.
Earlier this week, the European Commission said it is willing to continue discussions with China and seek to strengthen its 50-year diplomatic relationship in a “spirit of fairness and reciprocity.” As Washington intensifies tensions with Beijing, Brussels is ready to cooperate “if there are mutual benefits in sight.”
It’s unclear if European carmakers with BEV manufacturing capacity in China have also filed complaints. These would include the likes of Volkswagen, Volvo Cars and Polestar.
Source:Kallanish
