China opposes Turkiye's additional import tariff on Chinese fuel, hybrid passenger vehicles

China expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Turkiye's decision on June 8 to impose an additional 40 percent import tariff on fuel and hybrid passenger vehicles originating from China, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

China has strongly urged Turkiye to immediately revoke its discriminatory tariff measures and work together to promote the healthy development of economic and trade relations between the two countries, said a spokesperson with the ministry.

China has emphasized that it will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises affected by these tariffs, the spokesperson added.

Turkiye's discriminatory treatment places Chinese passenger vehicles at a disadvantage compared to those from other countries, violating the principle of most-favored-nation treatment, the spokesperson said, stressing that it's a clear violation of the rules set by the World Trade Organization.

Turkiye's ever-changing policy has detrimental effects on the interests of enterprises from both Turkiye and China, as well as local consumers in Turkiye, the spokesperson said.

Additionally, these policies have intensified concerns among Chinese businesses regarding the business environment in Turkiye, ultimately eroding their confidence in investing in the country, the spokesperson added.

In the long run, the costs of such policies are expected to outweigh any perceived benefits, the spokesperson said.

The Turkish authorities have set a 30-day implementation period starting from the date of the announcement. Previously, Turkiye had imposed a similar 40 percent additional tariff on electric vehicles imported from China.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn