Europe imposes high tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars

Additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars come into effect on Wednesday as part of European Union leaders’ efforts to create a level playing field for domestic car companies, leaving European consumers exposed to higher prices for Chinese-made electric cars. You will have to face it.

The tariff hike comes as the European Union launches an investigation into subsidies provided by the Chinese government to help Chinese automakers produce and sell electric vehicles and improve their competitiveness against European rivals. do.

Chinese automakers have called the tariffs “protectionist” and “arbitrary” and say economies of scale have led to the rapid development of electric vehicle production.

The new tariffs are in addition to the existing 10% import tariff and vary depending on the amount of subsidies received by each Chinese automaker, starting at 7.8% for Tesla and 7.8% for China’s SAIC Motor. is up to 35.3%. They are to remain in place for five years.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the European Union’s move would undermine cooperation between the two countries and Europe’s efforts to tackle climate change.

“This is a classic act of protectionism,” Lin said, adding that he hoped EU leaders would continue talks with China to avoid “escalation” of trade tensions.