China Condemns EU's "Unfair Protectionism" Over Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

After the European Union (EU) decided to impose tariffs of up to 45.3% on Chinese electric vehicles, China strongly protested, calling it "unfair protectionism."

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU issued a statement on the 4th expressing "strong dissatisfaction with the EU's push for protectionist trade measures."

Earlier, the European Commission approved the final tariff plan on Chinese electric vehicles in a vote among the 27 member states. As a result, the final tariff rate will range from 17.8% to 45.3%, in addition to the existing general tariff of 10%. The final tariff rate will be applied for five years starting from the 31st of this month.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce urged, "The European side should act cautiously and postpone the implementation of the tariffs," adding, "Friction and disagreements should be properly managed through dialogue."

They further warned that "the EU's anti-subsidy investigation on Chinese electric vehicles is an unfair protectionist approach driven by political motives," which disrupts not only Chinese companies but also the production of electric vehicles by European and global companies within China.

In particular, they pointed out that "it will also cause losses to Chinese investments in Europe, ultimately weakening the competitiveness of the European market itself and the vitality of the global electric vehicle industry chain."

Chinese electric vehicle companies also voiced opposition. Geely Holdings, owner of Chinese automaker Geely Automobile, stated in a release that "the decision to impose final tariffs on electric vehicles is not constructive," emphasizing that "it disrupts economic and trade relations between the EU and China and could ultimately harm European companies and consumers."

In the vote among the 27 EU member states, 10 countries including France and Italy voted in favor, while 5 countries including Germany and Hungary voted against. The remaining 12 countries abstained, which was effectively considered as support.

However, the EU plans to continue negotiations with China. If an agreement is reached, the imposition of final tariffs could be suspended.