Tariffs are not the right solution to the challenges in trade with China, said German Association of the Automotive Industry spokesman Simon Schutz.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the 27-nation EU, announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its anti-subsidy investigation and decided to impose a definitive countervailing duty on imports of new battery EVs from China for a period of five years.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Schutz warned that any such move that could lead to a trade conflict with China is bad news for both consumers and businesses in the European auto industry.
"There is need to talk and need for improvements, but tariffs are not the right solution, since it could be the beginning of a trade conflict that would only see losers. And also since these tariffs now will, in a very critical moment, make electric mobility even more expensive in Europe and the European market, which is not good for the consumers, not good for the climate," he said.
The industry spokesman said he hopes all parties in the continent can work together for fair global trade, including countries whose auto industries may not have the same involvement in China as Germany's.
"The European car industry, in this very specific topic, has sometimes views that are not totally in the same direction. On the tariffs in general, I think it is important that we see this problem and we speak with one voice in Europe. But of course, I can also understand that different industries might have a different view on certain topics when it comes to their specific situation. But in the end, I think we can all agree that fair and global trade is something that we need, that Europe needs, and that we need to fight for. And I think the talks should be based on that. There is room for improvement. And now, this room or the solutions to take this room need to be found," Schutz said.
German auto industry association spokesman warns tariffs on China 'would only see losers'
