German automobile insiders have voiced their strong opposition against the EU’s latest decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, warning such move will hinder European automobile industry’s transformation and upgrading towards green and sustainable development.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the 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.
The sampled Chinese companies will be subject to different countervailing duties, specifically, 17.0 percent on BYD, 18.8 percent on Geely, and 35.3 percent on SAIC.
"The decision has not only intensified the trade dispute, it will also seriously damage global free trade. And it does nothing to address the strategic and structural problems facing the European automotive industry. On the other hand, it has hindered the promotion of electric vehicles in Germany and Europe, threatening the goal of cutting carbon emissions," said Michael Bose, Head of Internationalization of Automotive BerlinBrandenburg.
For ordinary EV consumers, tariffs translate to higher prices and limited choices. EV dealers emphasize that the most effective way to safeguard the domestic market is by enhancing the competitiveness of their products, rather than resorting to tariffs.
"For consumers, tariffs definitely mean higher prices. I think we should focus on producing better automobiles through competition to defend Germany’s advantages as an industrial power, not through tariffs," said Henrik Sachs, an automotive dealer.
Bose highlighted that the sustainable evolution of electric vehicles hinges on global cooperative innovation, not protectionism. China, as a significant player in the electric vehicle market, contributes to the modernization and transformation of the European automotive industry, he noted.
"China plays a crucial leading role in innovation and market development in EV industry. It is important to enhance cooperation with China in the field of new energy because the Chinese market can bring more new opportunities and innovations. We hope to ultimately eliminate these tariffs through dialogue, because for Germany, cooperation with China and creating synergies are crucial," said Bose.
German automobile industry opposes EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs
German automobile industry opposes EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs
