Consumer associations in Europe are warning that electric vehicle prices are likely to rise if the European Union (EU) proceeds with the announced tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
Consumer groups are warning that Europe's green transition could take longer than expected given the likely EV price hike following new EU tariffs on imports from China. Ranging between 17.4 to 38.1 percent, they'll be added on top of the 10 percent duty already levied.
A typical morning commute in Vienna is mostly powered by fossil fuels. Now those who opted for green travel options are worried their environmental friendly move might cost them more.
"Yeah, I'm affected that I have to pay it," said a Vienna resident.
"So, this will make it even more difficult for people like me to buy an electric car," said another resident.
While some said the tariffs are needed to safeguard Europe's automotive industry, others fear that this measure will make EVs more expensive and endanger Europe's climate targets.
"From the consumer's point of view, such a measure is definitely not understandable. The whole of Europe is clamoring for cheap electric cars. Now we have cheap electric cars, which are also very well received by consumers. And now we are suddenly making these EVs more expensive again," said Sebastian Obrecht, a staff member of Austrian Automotive Club ARBO.
Norway has opted not to impose the EV tariffs. And Germany is working to soften the policy, with the country's economy minister due to travel to Beijing for talks next week. With negotiations ongoing, there is still some room for maneuver before the tariffs are due to take effect on July 4th.
European consumer associations predict potential price hikes with EU's planned EV tariff hikes
European consumer associations predict potential price hikes with EU's planned EV tariff hikes
Multilateralism is a principle that both Peru and China have been defending against closed circles, said Marco Balarezo, Ambassador of Peru to China in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Beijing on Monday, ahead of President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra's five-day state visit starting Tuesday.
Balarezo shared his views on the consensus that Peru and China have reached to promote and maintain open cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
He emphasized that the consensus is based on principles, and elaborated on what the principles are.
"We have to defend an international order based on the international law. And the international law, in a way, is represented by the United Nations. We should uphold all the treaties and norms of the international law that we have signed within the framework of the United Nations. In addition, multilateralism is defended against closed circles, or closed regionalism. We believe there are regional integration processes, but they are open. That helps multilateralism at the economic and commercial level. We support multilateralism and inclusive globalization. Problems and conflicts should be solved peacefully. These are basic principles, which we and China both defend," Balarezo said.
He especially highlighted trade in multilateralism.
"We want to support and defend the World Trade Organization. We want it to be more powerful, to be reformed and to be able to carry out the function for which it was created. So, as I say, we believe in multilateralism, we believe in free trade, we believe in inclusive glottalization. We believe that supply chains should not be broken. And we hope for a world of peace, a world of understanding and a secure world. The relationship between China and Peru is built on respect, trust, mutual benefit, solidarity and mutual understanding," Balarezo said.
As an important country in Latin America, Peru has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
Since the two countries established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, bilateral relations have made steady progress and fruitful results of cooperation have been achieved in various fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
Multilateralism should be defended against closed circles: Ambassador of Peru to China
