China wants tariffs on EVs scrapped by EU as both parties agree to hold talks: Report

China would like preliminary tariffs on its electric vehicles abolished by the European Union by 4 July, as both parties agree on conducting new trade negotiations, Reuters reported citing Global Times, a Chinese state controlled media outlet. 

Provisional duties of up to 38.1% imposed by the European Union on imported China EVs are slated to begin from July 4, Reuters reported. 

China has asked the EU to cancel tariffs several times, indicating openness to negotiate, but notes that it will take all the necessary measures to safeguard its companies, should a tariff war take place, Reuters reported. 

China has firmly opposed the tariffs, saying the move was “blatant protectionism” and could violate WTO rules, its commerce ministry said on June 14. 

Both sides have agreed to resume discussions after a call between  EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and China's Commerce Minister on Saturday during a visit to China by Germany's economy minister, who said the doors for discussion are "open," the newswire reported. 

The tariffs are set to be finalised on Nov. 2 at the end of the EU anti-subsidy investigation, the newswire further noted. 

"The EU side emphasised that any negotiated outcome to its investigation must be effective in addressing the injurious subsidisation," a Commission spokesperson said on Monday. The Chinese commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.