Musk denuncia los nuevos aranceles de EE.UU.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has come out strongly against the new US tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). His comments follow President Joe Biden’s decision to drastically increase these tariffs, quadrupling them in the process.

Musk, speaking via video link at a tech conference in Paris, stated, “Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs.”

Esta postura contradice su anterior advertencia de que los fabricantes chinos de automóviles podrían "demoler" a sus competidores mundiales sin barreras comerciales.

Biden’s Tariff Hike

La administración Biden anunció la semana pasada un nuevo arancel de 100% sobre los vehículos eléctricos chinos, alegando la necesidad de contrarrestar lo que considera políticas injustas y de proteger el empleo estadounidense, informa el BBC. Musk, sin embargo, cree que tales medidas son contraproducentes.

"Las cosas que inhiben la libertad de intercambio o distorsionan el mercado no son buenas", dijo.

Tesla has thrived in China without the need for tariffs or special support.

Musk added, “Tesla competes quite well in the market in China with no tariffs and no deferential support. I’m in favour of no tariffs.”

Aumentan las tensiones comerciales

Biden’s move continues a trend of maintaining and increasing trade pressure on China, a policy approach initiated by former President Donald Trump. Biden recently declared he would not allow China to “unfairly control the market” for crucial goods like EVs, batteries, computer chips, and medical supplies.

In response, China has vowed to retaliate. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce launched an anti-dumping probe into imports of polyoxymethylene copolymer from the US, EU, Taiwan, and Japan. This plastic is essential for electronics and automotive industries.

China también ha insinuado la posibilidad de imponer aranceles de hasta 25% a los coches con motores grandes importados de la UE y EE.UU., lo que supone una nueva escalada de las tensiones comerciales. La Cámara de Comercio de China a la UE ha mencionado haber sido informada de esta posible medida por "iniciados".

La Comisión Europea tiene hasta el 4 de julio para tomar una decisión sobre las medidas contra los vehículos eléctricos fabricados en China, lo que añade otra capa de complejidad al panorama comercial.

EVXL’s Take

Elon Musk’s opposition to tariffs underscores a significant debate about the best approach to global trade and market competition. His stance highlights the tension between protectionist policies and free market principles. As the EV market grows, the interplay between different countries’ policies will shape the industry’s future. Musk’s comments remind us of the potential downsides of market distortions, advocating for a more open and competitive global market.