EU probes into Chinese subsidies and imports

The European Commission obtained the necessary support in a vote to impose duties of up to 45% on imported electric vehicles made in China, as part of the EU's highest-profile probe into alleged Chinese subsidies that has provoked threats of retaliation from Beijing.

It has also launched investigations into whether Chinese clean tech producers are dumping subsidized goods on EU markets and whether Chinese-owned companies unfairly benefit from subsidies while operating inside the European Union.

The Commission says its aim is to prevent unfair competition and market distortion.

The investigations cover electronic vehicles, tinplate steel, wood flooring imports, medical devices, wind turbines and solar panels.

Electric vehicles

The EC said on June 12 it would impose tariffs on imports of China-made EVs over what it said were excessive subsidies,...