On November 23, multiple media outlets reported that the European Union may cancel tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, revealed in an interview that the EU and China are are close to reaching a solution to remove the additional tariffs on Chinese imported EVs. However, he emphasized that these tariffs are classified as anti-subsidy duties rather than punitive tariffs, aimed at eliminating unfair competition.
Lange told German broadcaster N-TV: “We are continuing negotiations with the Chinese side on electric vehicles. We are close to a decision with China to cancel the duties. We are close to an agreement: China can commit to offering electric vehicles in the EU at least at the minimum price.” He did not provide further details, but he insisted that this move would “solve the problem of distorting competition through unfair subsidies, which is why duties were initially introduced.”
Actually, the issue of EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles has been ongoing for over a year. On September 13, 2023, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced an anti-subsidy investigation into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China to the EU. On October 29, 2024, the European Commission formally announced the imposition of final anti-subsidy duties on new electric vehicles from the People’s Republic of China used for passenger transportation — The EU adopted Regulation 2024/2754, marking the Commission’s approval to impose high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. According to the final anti-subsidy duty list, tariffs include: 17.0% for BYD Group, 18.8% for Geely Group, 35.3% for SAIC Group, 7.8% for Tesla (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 20.7% for other cooperating enterprises, and 35.3% for all other non-cooperating companies.
However, the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs met with significant opposition from many countries and businesses. Germany, as the EU’s largest economy and a major car producer, voted against the bill on tariffs, with 10 EU member stated supporting the tariffs, 5 opposing them, and 12 abstaining. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly opposed the EU’s move to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and German car manufacturers harshly criticized the EU’s actions. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that the EU was heading towards an economic cold war with China. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on November 22 in Istanbul, Turkey, that EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles would harm the EU economy itself.
With the rise of US presidential candidate Donald Trump, European goods may face more challenges. It seems logical that Europe would consider removing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as a way to ease the situation. This could signal a potential turning point for the export of Chinese electric vehicles.
Source: WeChat Official Account—鑫椤锂电；电动知家
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