The European Union’s decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 38.1% on electric vehicles imported from China has drawn criticism from Beijing and raised concerns about a potential trade war. The move follows an investigation into China’s state support for its EV industry, which the EU believes is causing harm to European carmakers, reports CNN.

La UE busca el equilibrio entre la protección y los objetivos ecológicos

The EU’s provisional decision to hike tariffs on Chinese EVs highlights the bloc’s increasingly protective stance on trade with China. Western officials are concerned that strategically important industries could be wiped out by cheap Chinese imports. However, the EU must also balance protecting its industry with delivering on commitments to green its economy, including a ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars from 2035.

The European Commission stated, “The EU’s green transition cannot be based on unfair imports at the expense of EU industry.”

Aranceles variables para los fabricantes chinos de vehículos eléctricos

La UE ha aplicado distintos niveles de nuevos derechos a tres grandes fabricantes chinos de vehículos eléctricos:

BYD: 17,1% de derechos adicionales
Geely (owner of Volvo): 20% additional duty
SAIC: 38.1% servicio adicional

Other Chinese EV makers that cooperated with the EU investigation will face a 21% additional duty, while those that did not will be subject to an extra 38.1% duty. Tesla, which manufactures many of its cars in China, could receive an individually calculated duty rate at a later stage.

China’s Response and Potential Consequences

China’s Ministry of Commerce accused the EU of “creating and escalating trade tensions” and vowed to take “all necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

Los nuevos aranceles podrían dar lugar a intensas negociaciones entre Pekín y Bruselas para evitar una dañina guerra comercial.

European automakers also face risks, as many manufacture cars in China and sell them in Europe, which will become more costly due to the higher tariffs. Additionally, German carmakers rely heavily on China for sales, and retaliation by Beijing could make life harder for them.

Los Estados miembros de la UE, divididos sobre los aranceles

EU member states are divided on the tariffs, with France and Spain in favor, while Germany is firmly opposed.

El Canciller alemán, Olaf Scholz, advirtió contra el proteccionismo y el aislamiento, afirmando que "a la larga sólo encarece todo y empobrece a todos".

EVXL’s Take

The EU’s decision to hike tariffs on Chinese EVs is a significant development in the global EV market. While the move aims to protect European automakers, it also risks escalating trade tensions with China, a crucial market for many European companies. As the world transitions towards a greener future, it is essential for nations to find a balance between supporting their domestic industries and fostering international cooperation to achieve shared climate goals.

Los distintos aranceles impuestos a los fabricantes chinos de vehículos eléctricos pueden dar lugar a cambios en la dinámica del mercado, ya que algunas empresas estarán mejor situadas que otras para absorber los costes adicionales. La posibilidad de que los fabricantes chinos de vehículos eléctricos establezcan plantas de producción en la UE, como BYD se ha comprometido a hacer en Hungría, también podría ayudarles a eludir los aranceles y mantener una ventaja competitiva.

As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the negotiations between the EU and China and the potential consequences for the global EV industry. The outcome of this trade dispute could have far-reaching implications for the adoption of electric vehicles and the pace of the world’s transition to a more sustainable future.