EU approves steep tariffs on Chinese EVs, despite lack of majority
www.euronews.com
Chinese producers of electric vehicles will soon face steep tariffs before selling their high-end goods in the EU market. #EuropeNews

cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/3451147

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European Union countries failed to agree on whether to slap China-made electric vehicles (EVs) with steeper tariffs during a closely watched vote that ended with too many abstentions, forcing the European Commission to overcome the political impasse and push its proposal over the finish line.

The outcome of Friday’s vote was not publicly available, although several diplomats told Euronews how each member state positioned itself:

  • 10 were in favour: Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands and Poland. (45.99% of the EU population)
  • 12 abstained: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Finland. (31.36%)
  • Five were against: Germany, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia and Slovakia. (22.65%)

The high number of abstentions reflects long-standing qualms about how Europe should stand up to China. Although the political consensus says that Beijing’s unfair trade practices merit a forceful, united response, threats of commercial retaliation appear to have dampened the resolve of many capitals as the make-or-break date neared closer.

It was up to the Commission, which has exclusive powers to set the bloc’s commercial policy, to break the gridlock and ensure the duties go through.

  • Buffalox@lemmy.worldEnglish
    12·
    29 days ago

    The tax vary according to the brand and their level of cooperation with the Commission’s investigation:

    • Tesla: 7.8%
    • BYD: 17%
    • Geely: 18.8%
    • SAIC: 35.3%

    Other EV producers in China that cooperated in the investigation but have not been individually sampled: 20.7%-

    This tax will come on top of the existing 10% rate.

  • Churbleyimyam@lemm.eeEnglish
    67·
    29 days ago

    Hey why is this EV so cheap?

    Chinese taxpayers have paid half of it for you.

    Down with China!

    • 0x815@feddit.orgOPEnglish
      82·
      29 days ago

      Let us not forget the people in Xinjiang who pay a harsh price for cheap Chinese EV cars. Unfortunately, forced labour and supply chain transparency wasn’t an issue here.