China hits out at EU brandy ‘threat’, signals car probe days after EV tariff vote

China announced it would start to collect anti-dumping duties on European brandy imports from Friday, just days after Brussels voted to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs).

In addition, China signalled it could unleash tariffs on imported cars from the European Union as a way to “protect the legitimate rights of Chinese industries and companies”, the Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) said in a statement.

It also reiterated its investigations into European pork and dairy products were ongoing.

“At the same time, China is looking into raising tariffs on imported large engine petrol-powered vehicles,” the ministry added.

For brandy imports, the security charge would be applied to imports under 200 litres (422 pints).

The ministry released a list detailing the rates each company would be expected to pay, ranging from 30.6 per cent for Martell to 38.1 per cent for Remy Martin and 39 per cent for Hennessy.