EU Plans Measures to Halve Chinese Hybrid Car Imports

The European Union is considering safeguard measures to reduce hybrid car imports from China by half, targeting approximately 400,000 vehicles annually compared with an estimated 800,000 in 2026. According to people familiar with the discussions, the measures could be introduced by December and may involve tariff-rate quotas, imposing additional duties on imports exceeding specified limits. EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič said the proposal must still be discussed with member states, with the bloc aiming to ensure compliance with World Trade Organization rules.

The proposed restrictions come amid growing concerns over China’s expanding automotive exports and Europe’s weakening industrial competitiveness. Chinese-made vehicles accounted for about a quarter of European hybrid sales in August, while European manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and BMW face declining sales and profitability pressures. The EU-China understanding is expected to span four years and could serve as a model for addressing trade imbalances in other industries. However, the final mechanism and implementation details remain under discussion as both sides seek to balance domestic industry protection with stable trade relations.
(@FirstSquaw)