China has expressed readiness to fast-track the approval process for rare earth exports to companies based in the European Union, its Ministry of Commerce announced on Saturday. Additionally, a final decision on the country's anti-dumping investigation into EU brandy imports is expected by July 5.

According to a ministry statement, talks on pricing terms for Chinese electric vehicles exported to the EU have reached their concluding phase. However, both sides are still required to push forward to resolve outstanding concerns. These developments were part of discussions held in Paris between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

The talks represent a thaw in tensions that have complicated EU-China trade ties over the past year. In April, China restricted exports of various rare earth materials and associated magnets—disruptions that sent shockwaves through key industries like automotive manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and semiconductors.

Acknowledging the EU's unease, China reiterated its commitment to establishing a streamlined "green channel" for vetted export applications, aiming to speed up administrative procedures. In a separate update later on Saturday, the ministry emphasized its openness to ongoing dialogue with concerned countries, particularly given the surging global demand for rare earths in sectors like robotics and electric vehicles.

Brandy Dispute and Electric Vehicle Friction

During the same meeting, Minister Wang conveyed his hope that the EU would work collaboratively to ensure fair and sustainable trade in high-tech goods entering China. One flashpoint has been China’s imposition of tariffs—reaching up to 39%—on European brandy imports, especially affecting French cognac producers such as Hennessy (LVMH), Martell (Pernod Ricard), and Remy Martin (Rémy Cointreau).

These measures came shortly after the EU introduced restrictions on Chinese EV imports, which Paris viewed as protectionist. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron labeled China’s brandy tariffs as retaliatory in nature. Although Beijing originally intended to conclude its brandy probe in January, the verdict was postponed first to April and then again to July.

Now, the ministry reports that several French firms and trade groups have submitted formal pricing proposals in an attempt to resolve the issue. An agreement has reportedly been reached on key terms, and Chinese officials are in the process of reviewing the full documentation. A final verdict is expected before the July deadline.

Meanwhile, trade discussions on EVs have expanded. In April, the European Commission disclosed that both sides were exploring the establishment of minimum pricing thresholds for Chinese electric vehicles—an alternative to the current tariff regime. The Chinese ministry added that the EU had suggested evaluating new technical standards or approaches related to EVs, a proposal currently under examination by Beijing.

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