China is investigating whether to raise tariffs on European large-engine vehicles and will start collecting levies on brandy, escalating a trade spat after the European Union decided to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

By Nick Carey PARIS (Reuters) - Chinese and European automakers went head-to-head at the Paris car show on Monday, with tensions running high as the EU gears up to impose hefty import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and the industry struggles with weak demand.

Beijing’s action came days after European nations moved toward tariffs on electric vehicles from China, and it included a threat to also hit pork and car imports.

General Motors Co. sold more electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids than conventional gasoline cars in China for the first time last quarter, though the milestone comes as total deliveries continue to fall.

The European Union wants a level playing field with China on car tariffs and is negotiating with Beijing on mechanisms such as price commitments or investments in Europe as a solution, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.