- The European Commission is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicles, with discussions still ongoing, according to a European media report.
- China's exports of hybrid vehicles to the EU grew by 155% last year, while exports of BEVs increased by only 12%.
The European Union is reportedly considering extending its additional tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to also cover hybrid models, just as both sides reached consensus on price undertakings.
The European Commission is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese hybrid vehicles, with discussions on the measure still ongoing, according to a Thursday report by European media outlet Euractiv.
The move would extend the EU's current tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese BEVs to cars equipped with both internal combustion engines and battery-powered electric motors, the report noted.
An official told Euractiv that the French EU Commissioner, who is also one of the six Vice-presidents of the European Commission, has repeatedly raised the issue of Chinese hybrid vehicles.
He questioned why tariff policies applicable to electric vehicles do not extend to hybrids, which are produced under identical conditions, arguing that European competitors require equivalent protection and a level playing field.
The move comes amid a surge in Chinese hybrid vehicle exports to the EU, with sales surging 155% last year. By contrast, Chinese BEV exports to the bloc grew only 12%, Euractiv noted.
The European Commission formally launched an anti-subsidy investigation into imported BEVs originating from China on October 4, 2023, alleging they benefit from unfair Chinese subsidies that distort the European market.
In October 2025, after concluding the anti-subsidy investigation, the European Commission decided to proceed with imposing additional tariffs for a five-year period. In the meantime, discussions regarding price undertakings continue.
These tariffs were imposed on top of the previous 10% rate, with different EV manufacturers facing varying rates, up to a maximum of 35.3%.
On Monday, China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it has reached a consensus with the EU on price undertakings for Chinese BEV exports.
This marks a significant step toward replacing the additional tariffs, as Chinese exporters are expected to avoid the extra duties by selling BEVs at or above the minimum prices permitted by the EU.
