Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has declared Italy's support for the European Commission's proposed tariffs on Chinese exports of electric vehicles (EVs). This announcement comes ahead of crucial discussions and votes within the European Union on measures aimed at safeguarding the competitiveness of European companies.

Tajani, in an interview with daily Corriere della Sera and further statements, emphasized the necessity of equal access to markets, advocating for a trade plan founded on mutual benefits. He noted the importance of avoiding incomprehensible obstacles and dumping activities from Beijing, despite Italy's recent departure from the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

Minister Wang Wentao of China is currently in Europe for dialogues regarding the EU's anti-subsidy case against China-made EVs. He has already held talks with Tajani and plans to meet the European Commission's Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis soon. The proposed EU tariffs, which could go up to 35.3% on Chinese EVs, would be added to the existing 10% car import duty and require approval by 15 EU members representing at least 65% of the population to be enacted by the end of October.

Italy's initial support for these tariffs was evident in a non-binding vote within the EU member states back in July. As a significant player in the automotive industry, housing major brands like Fiat within the Stellantis group, Italy has a vested interest in ensuring fair competition. Additionally, the country has been actively inviting Chinese car manufacturers such as Dongfeng and Chery Auto to establish factories in Italy to boost local vehicle production.

Tajani insists that Italy's endorsement of the tariffs does not undermine its positive relations with China. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently visited China to strengthen cooperation and reset trade relationships following the departure from the Belt and Road scheme. An upcoming visit by President Sergio Mattarella to China, with Tajani accompanying him, further underscores the continued diplomatic engagement.

While the primary focus of discussions with Minister Wang was the tariff issue, other topics included intellectual property protection, agri-food trade, and investment. According to the Italian foreign ministry, these discussions also extended to geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine war, the crises in Gaza and the Red Sea, and China's potential role in addressing arms supplies to Russia and ensuring the security of Red Sea shipping routes.