Overview
- The European Commission published guidance enabling Chinese exporters to submit price undertaking offers that, if accepted, could replace or reduce countervailing duties set in October 2024 at 7.8%–35.3%.
- Minimum import prices must be defined for each model and configuration at levels that remove the injurious effects of subsidisation, rejecting any blanket price floor.
- Each offer will be assessed case by case under WTO rules, with any acceptance requiring an Implementing Decision and approval by EU member states.
- The guidance targets risks such as cross-compensation and complex sales channels, and says time‑limited undertakings or annual volume commitments can strengthen compliance and monitoring.
- Defined EU investment pledges can bolster offers, and failure to meet such commitments could trigger withdrawal of an undertaking and retroactive collection of duties; China’s commerce ministry and industry groups welcomed the step as a “soft landing,” and a Volkswagen/Cupra proposal is under review.