Gasgoo Munich- Germany and France urge the European Commission to introduce a unilateral trade tool. This tool resembles the U.S. "Section 301" investigation. It prompted a sharp response from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). If the EU advances such measures, CAAM will firmly back the Chinese government in taking necessary countermeasures. This defends the domestic auto industry's legitimate rights. It also upholds a fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory global trade environment.
CAAM argued that the proposed tool is a clear case of protectionism and unilateralism. Such measures would not help Europe's auto industry navigate its transition challenges. Instead, they would strain China-EU economic ties and destabilize global automotive supply chains.
The association stressed that the automotive sector remains a cornerstone of China-EU trade. As the global industry undergoes a deep transformation toward electrification, intelligence, and connectivity, both sides bring distinct strengths. Europe has deep roots in vehicle R&D, brand heritage, and regulatory standards. Meanwhile, China holds a clear edge in new-energy vehicles, autonomous driving, battery technology, and supply chain ecosystems. By leveraging complementary strengths, the two sides can unlock significant cooperation potential in the green transition and technological innovation.
