Brussels launches inquiry into Chinese car subsidies

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has announced the launch of an investigation into alleged automobile dumping by China. Addressing MEPs in Strasbourg, von der Leyen expressed concern that the EU market is being flooded with low-cost Chinese electric cars supported by government subsidies. She emphasized Europe's commitment to fair competition, stating, "Europe is open to competition, not to a race to the bottom." According to consulting firm Inovev, imports of Chinese vehicles into Europe reached 182,864 units in the first quarter of 2023, accounting for 54% of China's total car exports during this period. Notably, these imports have more than tripled within a year, rising from 48,946 vehicles in the same period of 2022.