According to an October 12 message on the Ministry of Commerce website, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered a reporter's question regarding the consultation consensus on China-EU hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.
The question asked: Recently, under the trade and investment consultation mechanism, China and the EU held in-depth discussions on hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle trade, avoiding an escalation of the situation. Some foreign media outlets have speculated about details related to the volume of hybrid vehicle trade arrangements and other matters. What is China's comment?
The answer stated: China and the EU have maintained continuous dialogue under the trade and investment consultation mechanism and reached multiple consensus outcomes, which are conducive to maintaining a stable and balanced key trade partnership between China and the EU. Following the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, the two sides conducted intensive consultations on hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle trade, balancing economic and trade differences and each other's concerns.
Regarding hybrid vehicles, both sides emphasized and confirmed three basic principles. First, respect the facts. According to Eurostat data, the EU imported 107,000 hybrid vehicles from China in 2024 and 302,000 in 2025. The two sides reached an upward arrangement based on the 2025 level, ensuring export space and stable growth for Chinese enterprises and accommodating the reasonable concerns of both sides' industries based on reality. Second, non-discrimination. No measure will specifically target Chinese products, and Chinese enterprises must not be treated discriminately. The quota obtained by China will not be lower than that of any other source of EU imports. Third, compliance. Both sides confirmed that trade arrangements should comply with WTO rules. China reserves all rights, including resorting to dispute settlement and demanding trade compensation under the WTO framework. These three basic principles run throughout and are a solid foundation for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Regarding electric vehicles, China and the EU achieved a "soft landing" in the anti-subsidy case in January this year, and the EU side issued general guidance documents on price undertakings. Accordingly, the EU side will continue to advance procedures related to enterprise price undertakings in the electric vehicle case, as well as other review procedures. On the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit, the above consensus effectively safeguarded the practical interests of Chinese enterprises, avoided the escalation of China-EU trade frictions, and also provided a stable, predictable, and sustainable trade and investment environment for both sides, contributing to the stable, balanced, and healthy development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
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