Image Credit: Global Times
China has strongly criticized the European Union’s plan to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on biodiesel imports from China, urging the EU to reconsider and address concerns through dialogue rather than resorting to protectionist measures. Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yongqian voiced these concerns during a press conference on Thursday.
He described the European Commission’s proposal, which suggests provisional tariffs ranging from 12.8% to 36.4%, as a troubling move towards protectionism. According to He, the proposed tariffs—12.8% for EcoCeres Group, 36.4% for Jiaao Group, and 25.4% for Zhuoyue Group—are not only excessive but also counterproductive. He also emphasized that such measures could undermine the EU’s green transformation efforts, which are vital for achieving its energy conservation and emissions reduction goals.
The spokesperson argued that these anti-dumping duties would lead to increased costs for biodiesel, adversely affecting both EU industries and consumers. He warned that such protectionist actions could disrupt the EU’s green energy transition and harm broader economic and trade relations between China and the EU. He asserted that this move reflects a broader trend of using trade tools for politically motivated purposes rather than addressing genuine trade concerns.
He Yongqian reiterated China’s stance that trade remedy measures should be applied judiciously. He called on the EU to engage in constructive dialogue and consultation with China to resolve these issues, rather than unilaterally imposing tariffs that could exacerbate existing trade tensions. The proposed duties come amidst ongoing disputes between China and the EU, particularly regarding additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, further straining the bilateral trade relationship.