China has strongly criticized the European Union’s recent decision to impose tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports, labeling the move as unfair and pledging to take necessary steps to defend its industry. This response follows the EU’s lowering of duties on several major EV manufacturers, including Tesla, as part of an ongoing investigation into China’s subsidies for its electric vehicle sector.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed its dissatisfaction, accusing the EU of arriving at “pre-set conclusions” in its probe, which it claims promotes unfair competition. The ministry emphasized that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights of its companies.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, reduced tariffs on Tuesday for a number of EV manufacturers importing vehicles from China, including Tesla, which now faces a 9% duty—significantly lower than the initially expected 20.8%. These new tariffs are in addition to the existing 10% duties on battery electric vehicles imported into the EU from China. The tariffs also affect other Chinese EV manufacturers such as BYD, SAIC, and Geely.
The EU initially announced these tariffs in June, citing concerns that China’s substantial subsidies for its EV industry were distorting market competition within Europe. In response, China’s Commerce Ministry stated that both the Chinese government and its EV industry had submitted extensive legal documents and evidence to contest the EU’s actions. Despite this, the ministry claimed that the EU’s final ruling did not adequately consider China’s input and was based on facts “unilaterally identified” by the EU.
China remains firm in its opposition to the EU’s decision and expressed hope for resolving trade disputes amicably to prevent further escalation.
