This photo taken on June 6, 2024 shows an electric car at a charging station near the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Xinhua

Geely and SAIC, two of the three Chinese automakers that could be subjected to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), issued public statements on Thursday, expressing disappointment and regret over the EU's unreasonable anti-subsidy tariffs. They also warned about the consequences of the move, which would harm the interests of Europe itself while also disrupting the development of trade between China and Europe.

In its statement, Geely said that the EU's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs is wrong, and that it will harm Europe's own interests and hinder China-EU trade development. Geely supports free trade, advocates for fair competition, and complies with international laws, as well as providing excellent products and services globally. Over the past 20 years, Geely has invested heavily in Europe, enhancing innovation across the supply chain and creating tens of thousands of jobs. Geely urged the EU to reconsider its decision and seek solutions to promote fair competition and a healthy development environment.

In its statement, SAIC expressed disappointment with the EU's decision, saying it violates market principles and could disrupt the global auto supply chain. Over the past decade, SAIC has invested nearly 150 billion yuan ($21.13 billion) in R&D for new energy and smart technologies, earning over 26,000 patents. SAIC relies on innovation, not subsidies, to provide eco-friendly products to over 100 countries. With rising sales in Europe, SAIC plans to bring Chinese new energy tech and green factories, enhancing China-EU cooperation in the EV sector and promoting a low-carbon economy. SAIC urged the EU to reconsider this decision, stressing the need for fair competition and global cooperation to advance sustainable development.

After the European Commission released the preliminary results of its anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese EVs, it proposed temporary anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent on imports from July.

The additional tariffs will be imposed on three sampled Chinese automakers: 17.4 percent for BYD, 20 percent for Geely, and 38.1 percent for SAIC, while other manufacturers that were featured in the investigation will face a 21 percent tariff.

"The EU's actions violate WTO rules and are blatant trade protectionism. China reserves the right to sue the EU at the WTO and will take all necessary measures to defend our domestic companies' legitimate rights. We urge the EU to correct its mistake, uphold the recent China-France-EU consensus, and resolve trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation for mutual benefit," He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

"We are now witnessing the initial results of a probe that was flawed from the start. It wasn't driven by local market demand or requests from local businesses, but rather imposed on market entities due to manipulation by certain parties with hidden political agendas and deep-seated biases," Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times.

German automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen responded on Wednesday, criticizing the EU decision. Mercedes-Benz said it supports WTO-based free trade and equal treatment for all. BMW Group's CEO Oliver Zipse called the EU's proposed tariffs on Chinese EVs a wrong decision. Volkswagen stated that anti-subsidy duties would harm Europe's automotive competitiveness in the long run.

Geely and SAIC, two of the world's leading EV manufacturers, exported 2,501 and 6,487 vehicles in May, respectively.