EU and China announce hybrid deal; joint statement gives no limits

After two days of talks in Beijing, Brussels and Beijing announced an agreement on trade in hybrid cars on October 9. The joint statement contains no figures.

Event date: October 9, 2026 · Published: October 12, 2026

EU and China announce hybrid deal; joint statement gives no limits — Photo: European Commission, © UE 2019, CC BY 4.0 (kadr z nagrania)

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said after the meeting that the two sides had agreed to limit Chinese exports of hybrids and plug-in hybrids to the EU, which he said opens the prospect of cutting those exports by more than half. The joint statement says only that an agreement consistent with World Trade Organization rules was reached. It contains no limits, deadlines or calculation method.

Where the dispute comes from

Since October 31, 2024, the EU has charged additional duties on electric cars from China. For BYD the rate is 17 percent, or 27 percent together with the standard duty. Plug-in hybrids were not covered by the investigation and pay only the standard 10 percent duty.

Manufacturers took advantage of this. According to figures cited by the Financial Times, imports of Chinese hybrids into the EU rose from about 3,800 cars in October 2024 to about 50,000 in July 2026.

What is still unknown

The Commission has not published details. Šefčovič said the Commission President will assess the outcome of the talks and discuss next steps with national leaders at the next European Council. Until then, "more than half" remains the Commissioner's statement, not a provision in a document.

Questions and answers

Has the European Union imposed duties on Chinese hybrids?

No. The additional duties in force since October 31, 2024 apply only to electric cars from China. Plug-in hybrids pay the standard 10 percent duty, and on October 9, 2026 the EU and China announced an agreement on trade in hybrids.

By how much are Chinese hybrid exports to the EU supposed to fall?

Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič said the agreement opens the prospect of cutting exports by more than half. The joint statement of both sides contains no figure or deadline.

How many hybrids from China reach the EU?

According to figures cited by the Financial Times, about 3,800 cars in October 2024 and about 50,000 in July 2026.

Fact sheet

Claim	Value	Source	As of
Date the agreement was announced	October 9, 2026	European Commission, joint statement	Oct 11, 2026
Hybrid exports: Commissioner's statement	down by more than half	European Commission, remarks by Commissioner Šefčovič	Oct 11, 2026
Figures in the joint statement	none	European Commission, joint statement	Oct 11, 2026
Duty on electric BYD cars from China	17% + 10% = 27%	European Commission (October 30, 2024), electrive	Oct 11, 2026
Imports of Chinese hybrids into the EU	about 3,800 (Oct 2024), about 50,000 (Jul 2026)	Financial Times via CnEVPost and electrive	Oct 11, 2026

Sources

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