PEKING/BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Negotiations between Brussels and Beijing are continuing following the entry into force of additional EU tariffs on electric cars imported from China. Both sides announced that technical progress had been made during talks this week between EU Commission officials and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in Beijing.

According to information from Brussels, the talks were specifically about a possible agreement on a price commitment as an alternative to the additional tariffs that came into force last week. "The parties discussed constructively and in detail how to set a minimum import price for such a complex product and what instruments are needed to monitor and enforce the commitment," the EU Commission said.

China's Ministry of Commerce also spoke of "progress" in the talks. The negotiations are to be continued "by video or other means". From China's perspective, the consultations help to maintain mutual trust, Beijing added.

Germany against extra tariffs

The EU additional duties on electric cars imported from China have been in force since the end of October - despite opposition from Germany. The duties are to apply for five years. Germany has strongly criticized the new regulation, fearing a new major trade conflict and possible retaliatory measures against German manufacturers.

The European Commission believes that the countervailing duties are necessary to secure the long-term future of the automotive industry in the EU. In an investigation, it came to the conclusion that Chinese manufacturers benefit from unfair subsidies that give them a considerable advantage on the European market. According to the study, Chinese electric cars can usually be offered around 20 percent cheaper than models manufactured in the EU. The EU Commission had already introduced provisional countervailing duties for this reason in July./rdz/DP/jha