The European Union is examining possible measures that would allow it to restrict imports of Chinese hybrid cars, according to Bloomberg, as reported by Sydsvenskan. The move signals that Brussels is preparing to act against a growing flow of hybrid vehicles from China.
Sydsvenskan reports that the EU is looking at steps aimed at limiting the import of these vehicles. The reporting, attributed to Bloomberg, does not specify which measures are under consideration or when they might take effect.
The development comes amid wider friction between the two trading partners. Dagens Industri describes the EU and China as being on the brink of a trade war, while Omni reports that the EU wants to limit imports of Chinese hybrid cars. Nyteknik frames the same issue around pressure on Europe from Chinese hybrids and the possibility that the EU could restrict imports, and EFN reports that the EU is preparing an import cap for Chinese hybrid cars.
Together, the reports point to hybrids becoming a new front in Europe's trade posture toward Chinese automakers, alongside earlier scrutiny of electric vehicles. The outlets do not give details on the scope of any planned cap or the timeline for a decision.
What to watch next: whether the EU formally proposes measures on Chinese hybrid imports, and how Beijing responds.
