Image source, Getty Images
- author, Peter Hoskins
- role, Business reporter
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he opposes US tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, just days after President Joe Biden quadrupled tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China.
“Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs,” the billionaire said via video link at a technology conference in Paris.
Musk’s comments contradict his warning in January that Chinese automakers would “outcompete” competitors from other countries without trade barriers.
The White House said last week that new measures, including 100% tariffs on electric vehicles from China, were a response to unfair policies and intended to protect American jobs.
“I was actually surprised when it was announced. Anything that hampers the freedom of trade and distorts markets is not a good thing,” Musk said Thursday.
“Tesla is very competitive in the Chinese market without tariffs or special support. I support no tariffs,” he added.
Biden has increased trade pressure on Beijing while maintaining some of the tariffs on China introduced by his predecessor, Donald Trump.
Biden vowed last week to not allow China to unfairly dominate markets for electric vehicles, batteries, computer chips and other key products such as basic medical supplies.
China opposes the tariff increases and has vowed to retaliate.
The Commerce Department’s announcement that it would investigate imports of polyoxymethylene copolymers, used in electronics and cars, is seen as a sign that China will fight back in its trade disputes with the United States and Europe.
Also this week, China threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on vehicles with large engines imported from the EU and the US.
The China-EU Chamber of Commerce said it had been informed of the possible move by “insiders”.
The European Commission, which oversees EU trade policy, has set a July 4 deadline to decide whether to impose measures on imports of Chinese-made EVs.
