EU imposes punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles – E24

The European Commission on Thursday confirmed the punitive tariffs it had announced on Chinese electric vehicles. The measure is temporary and a final decision will be made in October.

The levies range from 17.4% to 37.6%. They are in addition to the current 10% tariff and will take effect on Friday.

The European Commission is not concerned that this will make electric cars more expensive, potentially delaying the green transition. It says it is about protecting the European auto industry and jobs by ensuring a level playing field.

The European Commission has stressed that China’s electric vehicle industry benefits from “unfair subsidies” from Chinese authorities, which they say could harm manufacturers in EU countries.

The European Commission said negotiations between EU and Chinese representatives have been going on for a long time and will continue until a decision is made in October.

If member states impose permanent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, those tariffs would apply for five years.