Amid the European Union (EU) temporarily implementing a 'tariff bomb' measure on Chinese electric vehicles starting this month, member states are divided in their positions.
According to major foreign media on the 15th (local time), the 27 EU countries must submit their written opinions on the provisional anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to the European Commission by midnight on the 16th.
This procedure, called an 'advisory vote,' is a kind of preliminary vote. It gathers the opinions of each country without legal binding.
Earlier, the Commission decided to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from a minimum of 27.4% to a maximum of 47.6% for at least four months, citing unfair subsidies. EU countries will decide around October through a formal vote whether to convert this into a definitive tariff for five years starting in November. To switch to a definitive tariff, at least 15 member states representing more than 65% of the total EU population must approve in the formal vote.
Foreign media, citing government sources, reported that Italy has expressed support for the EU measure. Spain is also expected to cast a favorable vote.
On the other hand, Germany abstained. A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Economic Affairs stated, "Germany participated in discussions without making a decision yet," adding, "It is important now to seek a swift and agreeable solution with China." Sweden is also reported to plan to abstain. In the EU Council vote, abstention is effectively considered opposition.
It is also reported that some member states, including Poland and Greece, have yet to decide their positions.
The Commission stated that this advisory vote is a secret ballot and that the results will not be disclosed.
About 10 years ago, the EU Commission temporarily imposed provisional tariffs on Chinese solar panels, but due to opposition from major member states, these were not expanded into definitive tariffs for five years. Foreign media pointed out that this later resulted in the collapse of the EU solar manufacturing industry.
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