China Softens EV Tariff Negotiations with EU; Volkswagen Cupra Exempt Amid Price Quota Deal

China is signaling a more cooperative stance in tariff negotiations with the European Union on Chinese EV makers, according to a ministry spokesperson. The commerce ministry maintains open communication with the EU and supports Chinese EV firms securing minimum price undertakings. The European Commission approved Volkswagen Group's Cupra to exempt its China-made Tavascan SUV coupe from import tariffs in exchange for a minimum price commitment and a sales quota. This follows months of discussions that led to the first such exemption since the EU imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024.