The European Commission Continues Anti-Subsidy Investigations on Chinese Imports

Last week, the European Commission officially launched an anti-subsidy investigation into the imports of Electric Vehicles from China. The investigation seeks to assess whether Chinese EV value chains benefit from illegal subsidisation, potentially harming EU EV producers, and considers whether anti-subsidy duties are necessary. This move, led by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reflects the EU's commitment to fair and rules-based trading systems.

This week, Brussels is considering a similar probe into China's use of subsidies to promote its wind turbine manufacturers, further highlighting concerns of cheap Chinese imports threatening European industries. The move comes amid broader proposals to support Europe's wind industry, which has been challenged by low-cost Chinese imports.

Didier Reynders, acting competition commissioner, emphasized the potential for too much Chinese aid harming European wind energy companies, mirroring concerns in the electric vehicle sector. The European wind power industry has lobbied for more support, arguing that cheap Chinese imports are pushing their turbine manufacturers to the brink of collapse.

This potential investigation, which could be launched this month, represents the second significant action against China within just a few months. It follows President Ursula von der Leyen's commitment to address unfair practices in the electric vehicle market, despite a strong reaction from Beijing, which called it a "naked protectionist act."

While some experts are saying "sufficient elements" seem to warrant an investigation into wind turbine parts, Brussels is cautious about potential retaliation from China. The discussions coincide with a planned visit to China by EU officials, underscoring the importance of these trade matters in EU-China relations.

It could be said that these actions illustrate the EU's commitment to ensuring fair competition and safeguarding its industries in the face of challenges posed by Chinese imports. As Thierry Breton, the EU's internal market commissioner, has previously called for anti-dumping or anti-subsidy investigations into Chinese-made wind turbines, concerns over the EU's dependence on Chinese green technologies continue to rise.

The EU is increasingly focused on protecting domestic industries, regulating imports, and supporting

Contact us

Whether you have a request, a query, or want to work with us, use the form below to get in touch with our team.