China is considering an appeal to luxury car imported from the EU. Any punitive action against China's luxury car importers will also cause damage to the car business, especially in Germany.
"I can confirm the information that claims China is threatening the EU, but do not know the severity of the threat," an official of the European Commission (EC) said. "It may be only a part of a plan to force us to come to a compromise on other trade issues."
This threat of China is the latest sign of cracks in the trade relations between China and the EU. Last week, the EU announced tariffs for products absorber solar imports from China. And Beijing immediately responded with an anti-dumping investigation on imported wines from Europe.
The explosion of luxury cars sold in China make it become the market growth rate of the world's most powerful global automotive manufacturer. The German brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi is leading the luxury car market.
Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini are targeting the upper class in China. It is also important markets of the two brands Jaguar and Land Rover.
Both Daimler, BMW, Mercedes, VW, Porsche and Audi have declined to comment on the incident.
Michael Geisler, a spokesman for the German Embassy in the EU, said Berlin has not received any official notification about the threat of lawsuits China.
"We are following the situation closely for the automotive industry plays an important role for the German economy," he said.
A senior EU officials expressed no fear of China threat, argue that China will have to risk the commercial opportunities in the EU.
"I do not believe that China is actually the increase in the trade in conflict countered with luxury cars imported from the EU," he said. "Cars are not like wine. It affects Germany than any other country, and China is understood that Germany is their best friend in the EU. "
One other EU officials said they have not received any official notification regarding Beijing's luxury car. However, he acknowledged that the EU countries are concerned commercial conflicts can spiral out of control.
"We're not going to tensions with Beijing. We need to keep moderation and try to find a conciliatory solution ... Everything can be repaired, "he said.
The total value of trade between China and the EU currently stands at 433.7 billion euros.
The European automobile manufacturers exported nearly 500,000 vehicles travel to China in 2012, according to the Association of European automobile industry (ACEA). Tax rate for imported cars in China at present is 25%.
"Obviously this is a matter of interest all parties, should be able to find a peaceful solution to the tensions in trade today," ACEA said.
No comments:
Post a Comment