China softens stance on EV makers negotiating with EU individually

The European Commission approved a request by German auto giant Volkswagen’s Cupra brand to exempt its China-made Tavascan SUV coupe from ‌import tariffs.

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China looks forward to more of its EV makers reaching agreements on minimum prices with the European Union, a Chinese commerce ministry ‌spokesperson ⁠said ⁠on Thursday, softening its previous criticism of firms negotiating with the bloc individually.

China is willing to maintain communication with the EU, and “both sides support Chinese EV ⁠makers to ‌make good use of price undertakings,” ministry spokesperson ⁠He Yadong said during a regular press briefing.

The European Commission this week approved a request by German auto giant Volkswagen’s Cupra brand to exempt its China-made Tavascan SUV coupe from ‌import tariffs in exchange for an agreed minimum price and a sales ⁠quota.

That followed months of intense discussions that led to the first exemption since the European Union introduced tariffs against China-based EV makers in 2024.

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