BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce said that it hoped that China-European Union consultations on the issue of the EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles would make positive progress.

"It is hoped that the EU and China will meet each other halfway to push for positive progress in the consultations as soon as possible and reach a solution acceptable to both sides, so as to avoid the adverse impact of escalating trade frictions on China-EU economic and trade relations," MOC spokesperson He Yadong said in a press conference on Thursday.

He said that China-EU cooperation featured complementarity and mutual benefits. "The two sides have broad room for cooperation in green transformation."

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Toluidine imports from Britain will be exempt from anti-dumping measures starting June 28, according to the statement

On June 22, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao talked with European Commission Executive Vice-President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis via a video link. The two sides agreed to start consultations on the EU's anti-subsidy investigation of Chinese electric vehicles.

"At present, the working teams of the two sides have maintained close communication and stepped up consultations," He said.

The European Commission earlier this month disclosed a plan to impose additional duties on imports of Chinese EVs. The move, widely criticized as protectionist, unveiled provisional tariffs ranging from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent for Chinese EV makers despite widespread market concerns and China's objections. 

Toluidine imports

Also on Thursday, the ministry announced Thursday that it will launch an expiry review of anti-dumping measures aimed at toluidine, an organic chemical imported from the European Union.

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China in 2013 imposed anti-dumping duties on toluidine imported from the EU, with rates ranging from 19.6 to 36.9 percent. In 2019, China opted to extend these duties for another five years, according to a statement from the ministry.

Toluidine is widely used in the production of dyes, medicines and farm chemicals.

Toluidine imports from Britain will be exempt from anti-dumping measures starting June 28, according to the statement.