Trade statistics from the European Union and China, industry reports

EU Imposes Up to 35.3% Tariffs on Chinese EVs; China Files WTO Complaint

Oct 30, 2024, 10:21 AM

The European Union has imposed definitive anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 7.8% to 35.3% on electric vehicles imported from China, effective from October 30, 2024, for a period of five years. The tariffs aim to counteract alleged unfair subsidies provided by the Chinese government to its electric vehicle manufacturers, which the EU claims allow Chinese automakers to undercut European rivals. China has strongly opposed the move, stating that it does not recognize or accept the EU's ruling, and has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over the matter. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has urged the EU to adopt a constructive attitude and continue negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution, warning that the tariffs could strain China-EU trade relations and hinder global efforts to mitigate climate change. Chinese automaker SAIC Motor has announced plans to file a lawsuit countering the EU's decision. China has reportedly advised its automakers to pause major investments in European countries that supported the tariffs, such as France and Italy. Germany's car industry and some politicians have also criticized the EU's decision, expressing concerns over potential trade frictions and negative impacts on European consumers and the automotive sector. The EU is reportedly planning to send envoys to China to explore alternatives to the tariffs, signaling ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue.