Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for the European Union (EU) to reconsider proposed import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), advocating for a compromise to avoid a trade war, Reuters reports.
Sanchez’s comments, made during a visit to China, mark a shift from Spain’s earlier support of the tariffs. The EU is set to vote on whether to impose tariffs of up to 36.3% on Chinese EVs in October, and China has responded with anti-dumping investigations into European pork and dairy imports. Spain, which could be notably affected by such retaliatory measures due to its significant pork exports to China, is pushing for a negotiated solution.
Sanchez’s visit also aimed to attract Chinese investment, including a $1 billion green hydrogen project with China’s Envision Group. Sanchez emphasized the need to build bridges between the EU and China and both sides expressed optimism about finding a resolution.
