France ‘certain’ united front with Germany pushed China into hybrid car deal
France is “certain” that its push with Germany for a tougher EU China policy propelled Beijing to moderate its hybrid car exports, despite warnings from the Chinese capital that the pressure did not work. “I’m certain that it played a role, and it’s very important that the German and French engine, which is very essential to the future of Europe, starts again – and I think that’s going to be the…
The European Union may impose quotas or tariffs on Chinese industries before further negotiations, said EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic on Friday. He disclosed that plastics are a sector currently being investigated for protectionist measures. Sefcovic explained that the European Commission is gathering feedback from EU members on which areas to prioritize for protectionist measures, with the plastics sector being the closest at the moment.
French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier expressed confidence that France and Germany's push for a tougher EU-China policy prompted Beijing to moderate its hybrid car exports. Despite China's warnings, Forissier emphasized that this was a crucial step forward for Europe. The EU is set to propose three new trade instruments, including a "solidarity mechanism," by Christmas to counter China's influence on critical goods.
French and German ministers emphasized the importance of staying firm on their positions and not being underestimated by China, stating that Europe must be able to say "no" to the country.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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