According to a report by the Financial Times, the European Union has urged China to voluntarily limit exports of hybrid electric vehicles to the EU to prevent trade tensions from escalating into a full-scale trade war.
The EU seeks a commitment from China to cap the market share of Chinese-produced hybrid vehicles in the European market at approximately 15%, a level currently surpassed, as such vehicles now account for more than one-third of sales. EU officials have made clear that if China does not take voluntary measures, the bloc will resort to its own actions, including potential tariff increases.
Imports of hybrid electric vehicles from China rose from around 3,800 units in October 2024 to 50,000 units by July 2026—a more than tenfold increase—while average prices declined. Import volumes reached a record high in the second quarter, intensifying pressure on Europe’s automotive industry, with multiple manufacturers implementing large-scale workforce reductions.
One hundred years ago, the situation was similar: Chinese porcelain and tea were highly sought after in Europe until Western traders began supplying opium to China. When Lin Zexu destroyed the opium stockpiles, foreign merchants reacted with intense resistance.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876591209266314/
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