On Friday 4th October 2024, the European Union voted to implement definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made in China
‘The European Commission’s proposal to levy definitive countervailing duties on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles has garnered the requisite support from EU Member States to proceed with the imposition of tariffs,‘ stated the EU.
Initially, the EU announced in June its intention to impose higher tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, citing substantial unfair subsidies that threaten economic harm to European electric vehicle manufacturers.
The EU disclosed specific duties for companies based on their level of cooperation and the information provided during the bloc’s investigation into China’s EV production, which commenced last year. Provisional duties have been in effect since early July.
Following the receipt of ‘substantiated comments on the provisional measures‘ from stakeholders, the European Commission updated its tariff strategy in September 2024.
A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated that Beijing maintains its stance that the EU’s investigation into China’s electric vehicle industry subsidies has led to predetermined outcomes – suggesting that the EU is fostering unfair competition.
China responded by vowing a suitable response.