The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answers questions from reporters on the consensus reached in the China Europe hybrid and electric vehicle negotiations

Q: Recently, China and Europe have had in-depth discussions on the trade of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles under the trade and investment consultation mechanism, avoiding an escalation of the situation. Some foreign media have speculated on the quantity and related details of the hybrid vehicle trade arrangement. What is China's comment?

Answer: The continuous dialogue between China and Europe under the trade and investment consultation mechanism has reached multiple consensus outcomes, which is conducive to maintaining a stable and balanced key trade partnership between China and Europe. Both sides conducted intensive consultations on the trade of hybrid and electric vehicles based on the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, balancing the handling of economic and trade differences and mutual concerns.

Both parties emphasized and confirmed three basic principles regarding hybrid vehicles. One is to respect the facts. According to data from the European Statistical Office, the EU imported 107000 hybrid vehicles from China in 2024 and 302000 in 2025. On the basis of 2025, both sides have reached an upward arrangement to ensure the export space and stable growth of Chinese enterprises, taking into account the reasonable concerns of both industries based on reality. The second is non discrimination. No measures will specifically target Chinese products, let alone discriminate against Chinese companies. The quota obtained by the Chinese side will not be lower than any other import source of the European side. Thirdly, compliance. Both parties confirm that trade arrangements should comply with WTO rules. China reserves all rights to seek dispute resolution and demand trade compensation within the framework of the World Trade Organization. These three basic principles run through the entire process and are a solid foundation for safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Regarding electric vehicles, China and Europe achieved a "soft landing" in the anti subsidy case in January this year, and the European side released a general guidance document on price commitments. In this regard, the European side will continue to promote the procedures related to price commitments for electric vehicle companies, as well as other review procedures.

On the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit, the above consensus effectively safeguards the actual interests of Chinese enterprises, avoids the escalation of trade frictions between China and Europe, and provides a stable, predictable, and sustainable trade and investment environment for both sides, which is conducive to the stable, balanced, and healthy development of bilateral economic and trade relations.