PEKING (dpa-AFX) - China is still willing to negotiate with the EU Commission in the dispute over tariffs on imported electric cars. "I hope that the European and Chinese sides will approach each other, show sincerity and speed up the consultation process," said a spokesperson for the Beijing Ministry of Commerce on Thursday. There is still a window of four months before a final decision is made.

China, the spokesman added, has repeatedly voiced strong opposition to the anti-subsidy investigation and called for fair treatment and negotiations. Since June 22, when both sides agreed to talks, several rounds of technical consultations have already taken place between China and Europe, the spokesperson added.

Tariffs will initially enter into force provisionally

According to the EU Official Journal, the provisional duties on imports of electric cars from China are to come into force this Friday. The provisional duties are the result of an investigation by the EU Commission. This revealed that the entire value chain for electric cars in China is heavily subsidized and that imports of Chinese electric cars pose a clearly foreseeable and imminent threat of damage to the industry in the EU. According to the Commission, Chinese electric cars are normally around 20 percent cheaper than models manufactured in the EU.

The final introduction of the punitive tariffs is to take place within four months, unless China makes surprising concessions. Until then, the duties do not yet have to be paid, but only security deposits have to be made for them./jpt/DP/men