SAIC Seeks EU Hearing on EV Duties Amidst Rising Trade Tensions

SAIC Motor Corporation, China's premier automaker, has formally requested a hearing with the European Commission concerning the provisional countervailing duties imposed on Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) imports. These duties, effective from July 5, are set at 17.4% for BYD, 19.9% for Geely, and 37.6% for SAIC, marking a significant increase from the previous 10% rate.

SAIC highlights procedural errors and the overreach in the Commission’s subsidy calculations, particularly the inclusion of domestic Chinese consumer subsidies in the EU market impact assessment. The company underscores its substantial investment in R&D, totaling nearly 15 billion yuan ($2 billion) over the past decade, and its acquisition of over 26,000 patents. This technological edge, SAIC asserts, underpins the success of its MG brand in Europe.

In response to these duties, China's Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have called for expedited consultations to find a mutually beneficial resolution. European industry voices, including BMW and the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA), have echoed concerns about the potential negative impact of these tariffs on the EU's interests, advocating for constructive dialogue between the EU and China.