EU imposes tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese electric vehicles
Al JazeeraJul 06
EU Votes in Favor of Extended PRC Electric Vehicle Tariffs
Above: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.'s Zeekr electric vehicles bound for shipment to Europe at the Port of Taicang in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, China, on Aug. 24, 2023. Image copyright: Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
The European Union (EU) has voted in favor of extending tariffs against Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) first enforced this summer for a period of five years.
Tariffs will continue to reach up to 36% in addition to the bloc's 10% car import duty and following a European Commission investigation beginning last year alleging Chinese-state subsidies create an unfair advantage in the EV market.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
There's no need to be afraid of Beijing or its EV technology. Yet, as China opens up its manufacturing sector to foreign investment and seeks partnership with Europe, the West continues to spread fear and anxiety over the PRC's increasingly important place in the world. Today's decision by the EU is a step backward for international collaboration and the fight against climate change, with political agendas placed above world-leading innovation.
Anti-China narrative
Europe cannot run the risk of becoming overly dependent on China's industrial sector. Tariffs don't need to be a permanent solution, but for now, it's important for the EU to act from a position of strength. A message must be sent that while China doesn't need to be viewed as an adversary, the integrity and unity of bloc members will not be influenced by underpriced imported goods.