Roundup: Polish EV insiders call for removal of trade barriers to Sino-European cooperation

by Xinhua writers Xia Yuanyi, Zhang Kun

WARSAW, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- With the European Union (EU) poised to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), some industry insiders in Poland are warning against the move, calling instead for cooperation on both sides.

Earlier this month, the European Commission passed a vote to impose additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, which many industry insiders view as a short-sighted measure.

"Such protectionist actions as hiking tariffs might offer short-term relief, but in the long run, setting trade barriers to block competition will constrain European brands from developing their competitiveness in the global market," said Adam Borusewicz, a contributor on the Polish website Chiny 24.com, and an online influencer on the topic of Chinese EVs.

"What is truly appropriate for European brands is to cooperate with Chinese manufacturers," he told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I'm convinced that cooperation between the automotive industries in China and Europe will be mutually beneficial."

His views were echoed by Kamil Pyclik, chairman of the Polish EV rental company NoSmogRent. He told Xinhua that European automakers are lagging behind current industry trends regarding production and design capabilities.

"I do not believe that adding tariffs on Chinese EVs is the right solution," Pyclik said. He also called on European automakers to "defend ourselves with quality products, instead of hiding behind customs duties."

He added: "It should be noted that Chinese cars are being designed and built with the participation of qualified staff from Europe. Many Europeans are employed by Chinese companies."

Some Chinese insiders working in Poland are also advocating for deeper cooperation, saying that the future of both China's and Europe's automotive sectors hinges on innovation and collaboration, rather than isolation.

Zhuge Zihao from Pro EV, an independent dealer for Chinese EV maker NIO in Poland, told Xinhua: "To better compete with the rise of Chinese EVs, European automakers should seriously acknowledge the growth of China's EV industry and explore more possibilities to collaborate with Chinese companies in the European market."

"We could learn from partnerships like Volkswagen's deal with Xpeng and Audi's cooperation with SAIC. These are clear examples that working together benefits both sides," he said, stressing that such partnerships foster innovation and efficiency.

Wang Weiwang, general manager at Chinese automotive part manufacturer Minth Group's factories in Poland and the Czech Republic, said these tariff barriers are unsustainable from a global, long-term perspective.

"In a modern world shaped by technological innovation and economic integration, any artificially imposed barriers will eventually fail to resist the natural evolution of the global market," he told Xinhua. "I believe, in the long run, the market's demand for innovation and efficiency will drive the EU to abandon such policies."

"Such barriers are not only difficult to maintain but could also hinder the EU's own technological development," he added.