Story perspectives

EU seeks limits on China plug-in hybrid exports

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 6:48 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic met Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing to seek limits on plug-in hybrid exports.
EU says its trade deficit with China exceeds €1 billion daily, threatening industry and jobs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter urging the EU executive to restrict imports.

History

Historical Context

The EU’s 2013 anti-dumping probe, which culminated in a 47.7 % duty on Chinese solar panels, followed earlier US tariffs of up to 250 % in 2012 and a 2010 Chinese Development Bank loan of $20 billion that spurred rapid capacity growth. By 2015 China supplied about 80 % of global PV, prompting the current EU-China trade talks.

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Story summary

Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic met Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Beijing to seek limits on plug-in hybrid exports.
EU says its trade deficit with China exceeds €1 billion daily, threatening industry and jobs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter urging the EU executive to restrict imports.

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