European Commission Continues: Import Taxes on Electric Cars from China to Increase from Tomorrow

Although the import duties are intended to combat unfair competition against European manufacturers, the latter are not responding enthusiastically.

Volkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker, said it rejects “harmful” EU import duties on Chinese electric cars, adding that “the negative consequences of this decision outweigh any potential benefits for the European automotive industry.”

Rival BMW says the import duties would lead to a “dead end” and constitute a “serious violation of the principle of free trade.” German carmakers, including Volkswagen, fear retaliation from China, their most important sales market.

“Any protectionist measure, including additional import duties, (…) restricts free trade and entails the risk of trade conflicts, which ultimately harm all parties,” the VDA said. The association therefore called on China and the European Commission to “make every effort to find a solution within the framework of an open and constructive dialogue. A possible global trade conflict must be avoided.”