The Ministry of Commerce of China confirmed the intention to increase duties on imports of cars with large engines. Earlier it became known that Beijing is considering such a possibility along with additional restrictions on supplies of whiskey from Europe to the country.
The representative of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce He Yadong said during a press conference on Thursday that there are significant differences between China and the EU regarding the recent decision of the European Commission to impose additional duties on imports of Chinese electric cars to Europe. Beijing has invited EU representatives to visit China for further talks, he said.
According to He Yadong, the Ministry of Commerce is considering the possibility of increasing duties on imports of high-volume gasoline-powered cars into China and will make a decision after studying relevant factors.
If Beijing makes such a decision, German automakers will be the most seriously affected, said Dongshu Cui, president of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
Total imports of cars with engines larger than 2.5 liters from the EU fell 13% to $10.2 billion in the first eight months of this year, CPCA data showed.
