EU-China, evidence of thaw: talks at all levels to avoid tariff wars

Brussels – After the European tariffs on Chinese electric cars and Beijing’s response in the form of an investigation into European pork imports, the two sides are attempting a useful détente to avoid a trade war. The intention is to continue the dialogue at all levels, as agreed during a videoconference meeting between Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and the Chinese Minister of Trade, Wang Wentao.

Brussels assures that a political confrontation was demanded by the Chinese. Confrontation that has produced openness on both sides to technical discussions. The aim is to seek a “mutually acceptable solution to the problem of harmful subsidies” with the government of the exporting country, in this case, China, as stressed in Brussels, ready to welcome the People’s Republic negotiators for the round of technical confrontation.

It is in this spirit that work is being done and is intended to continue. The Commission, however, does not want to make concessions and is keeping the point. The eventual solution will have to dispel all doubts. In any case, while hoping not to get into an open trade confrontation, people in Brussels are keeping ready for a litigation scenario at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Brussels assures that “China and the European Union are continuing discussions, and technical talks are scheduled in Brussels this week.”