Market Chatter: EU Said to Seek China's Commitment to Cap Hybrid Car Exports

04:17 AM EDT, 09/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The European Union has urged China to voluntarily restrict hybrid car shipments to the bloc, amid efforts to protect the local automotive industry and tackle a widening trade deficit with the country, London's Financial Times reported Thursday, citing three people familiar with the situation. Brussels wants Beijing to limit Chinese hybrid vehicle sales to 15% of market share in the EU, versus the current level of more than a third, and is threatening steeper tariffs if China does not cooperate, the sources reportedly told the paper. The European Commission declined to comment when reached by MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)