Beijing/Shanghai, China, May 22 (EFE).- China is considering raising temporary extra tariffs on imported vehicles with large displacement engines in response to recent levies announced by the United States and an ongoing anti-subsidy probe by the European Union on Chinese electric vehicles.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU said it had “been informed by insiders” about the possible hike in tariffs.

“This potential action carries implications for European and US automakers, particularly in light of recent developments such as Washington’s announcement of tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and Brussels preparations for preliminary measures in a high-profile anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs,” the Chamber warned.

The Chamber also referred to an interview published by state-run newspaper Global Times in which Liu Bin, chief expert at the China Automotive Strategy and Policy Research Centre, suggested that China could increase its temporary tariff rate on imported large-engine vehicles to 25 percent.

Liu said that the proposed hike on imported gasoline sedans and SUVs with engines larger than 2.5 liters complied with the World Trade Organization’s regulations and could “help China promote the transition to greener practices in the automotive industry and advance its objectives of reducing carbon emissions.”

In a press conference on Wednesday,Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China’s development and opening-up brought opportunities rather than risks to Europe and the world and warned that protectionism would not solve the EU’s problems.

He also urged the European Union and China to resolve concrete economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation. EFE

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