The European Commission has proposed tariffs of up to 45%, set to take effect in November for the next five years.
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, warned that the European Union’s (EU) plan to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles will harm both economic relations and environmental goals.
The European Commission’s decision to implement tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles threatens decades of cooperation between China and the EU, as well as shared green transition objectives, Xinhua reported on Saturday (Oct. 5).
On Friday, the EU announced plans to introduce tariffs on imports of electric vehicles from China, despite opposition from Germany.
“Instead of encouraging collaboration, these tariffs could spark a trade conflict, damaging not only China-EU relations but also Europe’s green transition ambitions,” Xinhua stated.
The agency described the measure as exposing a “deep-rooted protectionist impulse,” adding that further negotiations, rather than tariffs, are necessary.
In recent years, imports of Chinese electric vehicles have surged, raising concerns among some European manufacturers that these lower-cost vehicles could lead to significant financial losses. The European Commission is proposing tariffs of up to 45%, which would be imposed from November for five years.
Following a year-long investigation, the European Commission said the tariffs aim to protect the domestic market from unfairly subsidized imports. However, it also noted that negotiations with Beijing would continue, with a potential compromise involving minimum sales prices.
China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the proposed tariffs, calling them unfair and excessive. It has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In retaliation, Beijing has initiated investigations into the import of brandy, dairy, and pork products from the EU this year.
For comparison, the U.S. has imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicle imports.
