EU prepares tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids, Handelsblatt reports

(Reuters) - The European Commission plans to impose countervailing duties on Chinese ​hybrid cars, Handelsblatt reported on Friday, ‌citing high-ranking EU officials and industry sources.

According to the paper, three people involved ​said that preparations had been ​made so that the European Commission ⁠could impose tariffs as soon ​as a majority of EU member ​states give their approval.

On Thursday, European ​Union leaders debated new and tougher measures ​that could be needed to curb the ‌bloc's ⁠growing trade deficit with China and its heavy reliance on the world's second-largest economy for rare earths and ​other critical ​supplies.

Handelsblatt ⁠said the aim of the Commission is to impose ​additional countervailing duties on vehicles ​from ⁠Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery and SAIC.

The bloc has imposed duties ⁠on ​imported electric vehicles made ​in China since 2024.