MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on China-EU Consensus Reached in Consultations on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on China-EU Consensus Reached in Consultations on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles The MOFCOM spokesperson stated, in answering a reporter's question on the China-EU consensus reached in consultations on hybrid and electric vehicles, that China and the EU have maintained dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism and reached consensus on multiple outcomes, which is conducive to maintaining a stable and balanced key trade partnership between China and the EU. In accordance with the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, the two sides conducted intensive consultations on hybrid and electric vehicle trade, balancing economic and trade differences and each other's concerns. Regarding electric vehicles, China and the EU achieved a "soft landing" in the anti-subsidy case in January this year, and the EU side issued general guidance documents on price undertakings. Accordingly, the EU side will continue to advance the procedures related to enterprise price undertakings in the electric vehicle case, as well as other review procedures. The original text is as follows: MOFCOM Spokesperson Answers Questions on China-EU Consensus Reached in Consultations on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Q: Recently, under the trade and investment consultation mechanism, China and the EU held in-depth discussions on hybrid and electric vehicle trade, avoiding escalation of the situation. Some foreign media have speculated on details such as the quantity of hybrid vehicle trade arrangements. What is China's comment? A: China and the EU have maintained dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism and reached consensus on multiple outcomes, which is conducive to maintaining a stable and balanced key trade partnership between China and the EU. In accordance with the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, the two sides conducted intensive consultations on hybrid and electric vehicle trade, balancing economic and trade differences and each other's concerns. Regarding hybrid vehicles, both sides emphasized and confirmed three basic principles. First, respect facts. According to Eurostat data, the EU imported 107,000 hybrid vehicles from China in 2024 and 302,000 in 2025. The two sides reached an upward arrangement on the basis of 2025, ensuring Chinese enterprises' export space and stable growth, and accommodating the reasonable concerns of both sides' industries based on reality. Second, non-discrimination. No measures will specifically target Chinese products, still less will they discriminate against Chinese enterprises. The quota obtained by China will not be lower than that of any other source of imports of the EU side. Third, compliance. Both sides confirmed that the trade arrangements should comply with WTO rules. China reserves all rights, including resorting to dispute settlement and requesting trade compensation under the WTO framework. These three basic principles run through the entire process and are a solid foundation for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. Regarding electric vehicles, China and the EU achieved a "soft landing" in the anti-subsidy case in January this year, and the EU side issued general guidance documents on price undertakings. Accordingly, the EU side will continue to advance the procedures related to enterprise price undertakings in the electric vehicle case, as well as other review procedures. On the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit, the above consensus effectively safeguards the practical interests of Chinese enterprises, avoids escalation of China-EU trade frictions, and also provides both sides with a stable, predictable and sustainable trade and investment environment, which is conducive to the stable, balanced and healthy development of bilateral economic and trade relations. This article is compiled from the official website of the Ministry of Commerce. GMTEight editor: Liu Jiayin.