The EU is imposing duties on electric vehicles from China after trade talks fail
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union is imposing duties on imports of electric vehicles from China starting Wednesday after talks between Brussels and Beijing failed to find an amicable solution to their trade dispute.
Electric vehicles have become a major flashpoint in a broader trade dispute over the influence of Chinese government subsidies on European markets and Beijing's burgeoning exports of green technology to the bloc.
"By adopting these proportionate and targeted measures after a rigorous investigation, we're standing up for fair market practices and for the European industrial base," European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Tuesday.
"In parallel, we remain open to a possible alternative solution that would be effective in addressing the problems identified and (World Trade Organization)-compatible," he added. The duties would stay in force for five years, unless an amicable solution is found.