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Brussels has the green light to impose tariffs on Chinese electric cars, there weren’t enough countries against it

by AI | 04.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka said that it is necessary to avoid a potential customs war with China, which would ultimately threaten European car manufacturers.

Electric car connected to a charging station. Photo: Eduardo Parra / Europa Press (archival image)

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Brussels/Beijing/Prague – The European Commission (EC) received the green light for the definitive introduction of additional tariffs on the import of electric vehicles from China. A sufficient majority of European Union member states did not oppose the proposal to introduce the tariffs. The EC published the voting outcome in a press release, but wants to continue negotiating with China. Opponents of the tariffs fear Beijing’s retaliatory measures. Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka said it is necessary to avoid potentially triggering a trade war with China, which could ultimately threaten European car manufacturers.

The Commission, as the EU’s executive body, decided to impose additional tariffs on the import of electric vehicles from China because Beijing allegedly illegally subsidizes the manufacturers of these cars, according to Brussels. The proposed additional tariffs of up to 35.3 percent are beyond the standard import duty on cars, which is ten percent in the EU.

According to diplomatic sources of ČTK, ten EU member states, including France and Italy, voted for the additional tariffs today. Five countries opposed the tariffs, and 12 countries abstained from voting. To block the tariffs, a qualified majority of 15 EU members with a 65 percent share of the population would be required. Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Malta voted against the tariffs. The Czech Republic abstained from voting, reported Reuters citing its sources.

Minister Kupka said today that Czechia acted following discussions with Germany. “An important argument is not to start a trade war, which under the given circumstances could threaten a number of European car manufacturers, as many components are secured by imports from China,” said the minister. He believes that EU negotiations with China will avert a potential trade war. He also emphasized that Europe must strive for greater independence in obtaining raw materials, which are crucial for the production of batteries or semiconductors, for example. (October 4)

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