China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to Resolve EU Anti-Subsidy Dispute on EVs

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit Europe for crucial discussions about the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into China-made electric vehicles as tariffs loom. Talks will be held with EU's Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis. The development follows Spain's call to reconsider the EU's stance on the matter.

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is set to visit Europe in the coming days for imperative discussions on the European Union's anti-subsidy investigation into China-manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) amid a looming vote on escalating EV tariffs.

Wang will engage in talks with the European Commission's Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on September 19, a representative from the Chinese ministry confirmed during a regular press conference. The announcement follows Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's unexpected statement during his recent visit to China, where he urged the EU to reconsider its position on the issue.

The European Commission, responsible for overseeing EU trade policies, is on the verge of proposing punitive tariffs up to 35.3% on EVs built in China, adding to the standard 10% car import duty. These final duties are set for a vote by the EU's 27 member states and will be enacted by the end of October unless a qualified majority representing 65% of the EU population votes against them.

(With inputs from agencies.)