The European Union (EU) will implement a safeguard measure limiting annual imports of hybrid cars, including those from China, to 350,000 units starting December 1.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the cap will be set at 350,000 units for the first year, with an annual increase of 6% over the next four years.
This cap applies to both conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). To comply with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) non-discrimination principle, the limit will not be restricted to Chinese imports but will apply to vehicles from all countries with free trade agreements (FTAs) with the EU. However, the quota allocated to China will not be less than that of any other importing country.
Previously, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis reached this trade agreement during the second China-EU Economic and Trade Consultation held in Beijing from October 8 to 10.
Dombrovskis stated, "We have reached a common understanding to regulate the export of Chinese hybrid cars," adding that in return, China will reduce tariffs on certain EU products, including automotive parts and olive oil, resulting in a cost-saving benefit of at least €225 million (approximately 338 billion won).
The Chinese side also expressed satisfaction with the agreement, viewing it as a practical achievement for protecting its industry. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted that the import volume of Chinese hybrid cars to the EU increased from 107,000 units in 2024 to 302,000 units last year, and they agreed to adjust the figures upward based on 2025 data.
They emphasized that no measures should target Chinese products exclusively and reiterated that the quota for China will not be less than that of any other source country importing to the EU.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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