Chinese Government Criticizes EU Tariffs on Electric Vehicle Imports

The Chinese government has expressed its displeasure with the European Union’s decision to impose tariffs on electric vehicle imports. The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson criticized the EU for what they believe are unfair practices and pre-set conclusions regarding China’s subsidies for its electric vehicle industry. The spokesperson stated that China will take all necessary measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies in response to the EU’s actions.

On Tuesday, the European Commission lowered import duties on several major electric automakers importing cars from China into the EU. The import duties on Tesla, for example, were reduced to 9%, lower than the anticipated 20.8% rate. The EU also imposed tariffs on other Chinese electric car manufacturers, such as BYD, SAIC, and Geely. These tariffs were a response to concerns that China’s generous subsidies for its electric vehicle industry were distorting competition in Europe.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry highlighted the extensive legal documents and evidence submitted to the EU to defend against the imposed tariffs. They stated that these documents thoroughly addressed the EU’s concerns and highlighted the potential disruption to the global automotive industry supply chain. Despite China’s efforts, the EU’s final ruling did not fully consider China’s opinions and was based on unilaterally identified facts.

The Ministry of Commerce stated that China firmly opposes and is highly concerned about the EU’s decision. They expressed hope for resolving trade disputes with the EU and avoiding an escalation of trade frictions. The Chinese government emphasized the importance of practical actions to maintain fair competition in the global electric vehicle market and to ensure the stability of the automotive industry supply chain.

As the tensions between China and the EU continue to escalate over electric vehicle tariffs, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate these trade disputes and work towards a mutually beneficial solution.