China Says EU's CVD Case on EV Batteries Violates WTO Rules

The EU's decision to open a countervailing duty investigation on electric vehicle batteries from China lacks sufficient evidence and violates World Trade Organization commitments, China's Ministry of Commerce said Oct. 4, according to an unofficial translation. The ministry characterized the move as "naked protectionism."

In its announcement, the EU said the investigation is meant to identify and counteract any illegal subsidization of the Chinese EV battery industry (see 2310040012), adding that it consulted with China before starting the investigation. The Chinese ministry said the EU held a "very short" consultation period and "failed to provide effective consultation materials, which seriously damaged China's rights."