China's Commerce Minister Heads to Italy Amid EU Tariff Disputes

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit Italy for talks with Italian officials. The visit comes as part of China's efforts to persuade EU members to reject proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Italy initially supported these tariffs but there are discussions for a negotiated solution.

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is set to visit Italy next week to engage in discussions with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Industry Minister Adolfo Urso. The visit aims to influence European Union members to oppose the proposed EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).

A source from the Italian government, opting for anonymity, disclosed that it remains uncertain if Wang will discuss EV tariffs with the Italian ministers. Previously, Italy, alongside France and Spain, backed the tariffs in a non-binding EU vote in July.

During a recent visit to China, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for EU members and the European Commission to reevaluate their stance to avoid a potential trade war. Addressing the issue, Industry Minister Urso indicated that negotiations are ongoing in Geneva, referencing talks held at the World Trade Organization. The European Commission is close to recommending final duties up to 35.3% on Chinese-made EVs. These duties will require approval from a majority of EU members and could be enforced by the end of October.

(With inputs from agencies.)