Some Polish drivers say that they are concerned about higher prices for electric vehicles (EVs) as a result of new European Union's (EU) tariffs on China's electric vehicle industry.
The European Commission unveiled a preliminary decision to impose provisional tariffs on EVs imported from China on June 12, after concluding an anti-subsidy investigation. The pre-disclosed duties range from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent, in addition to the standard 10 percent vehicle duty already in place.
Since the European Union announced higher tariffs on Chinese EVs sold in Europe, automotive industry representatives have raised concerns about the potential impact of a trade dispute between China and Europe.
Debates on whether imposing tariffs on Chinese cars is justified are not only happening between Brussels and Beijing, but also on Warsaw's streets.
"I think that we must protect our industry because Chinese industry, when everything will be produced in China, we don't have the job," said a driver in Warsaw, Poland's capital, to China Global Television Network (CGTN).
But others worry that protectionist measures could lead to increased costs for EVs.
"If I would buy an electric car, for me the main thing is the price," said another Warsaw resident.
Higher tariffs on Chinese EVs could not only hurt European customers' wallets, but also the continent's car industry. Poland for instance is among the world's top ten exporters of vehicle parts. And these tariffs could have detrimental effects, industry representatives are warning.
A trade dispute could lead to a breakdown in supply chains, which could then lead to less demand for Polish manufacturers' products, says Tomasz Beben, president of Management Board of the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers.
"The last thing we need right now in Europe is a trade war with China. Because it would affect [a lot] heavily. If some retaliation measures are taken, it will probably affect our industry, our supply chains, and we will be hurt," said Beben.
China denies its competitive edge over electric vehicles are a result of "subsidies" or "unfair practices". Officials emphasize the development of its clean energy industry is driven by advantages in technology, market and supply chains.
Unless the EU and China resolve this dispute, the tariffs are set to become mandatory from July 4.
Some Polish drivers worry cost of electric cars to rise due to new EU tariffs on China
