China softens stance on EV makers negotiating with EU individually

BEIJING, Feb 12 (Reuters) — China looks forward to more of its ‌EV makers reaching agreements on ‌minimum prices with the European Union, a ​Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, softening its previous criticism of firms negotiating with the bloc individually.

China ‌is willing to ⁠maintain communication with the EU, and «both sides support Chinese ⁠EV makers to make good use of price undertakings,» ministry spokesperson ​He Yadong ​said during a ​regular press briefing.

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The ‌European Commission this week approved a request by German auto giant Volkswagen’s Cupra brand to exempt its China-made Tavascan SUV coupe from import ‌tariffs in exchange for ​an agreed minimum price ​and ​a sales quota.

That followed months ‌of intense discussions that ​led to ​the first exemption since the European Union introduced tariffs against China-based ​EV ‌makers in 2024.

(Reporting by Joe Cash; ​Writing by Beijing Newsroom; Editing ​by Muralikumar Anantharaman)