Chinese EVs face EU vote to raise tariffs to up to 45% on Friday
China denies any unfair activity on its part, and has threatened retaliatory tariffs on European products such as dairy, brandy and pork
Member states have received a draft of the regulation for the proposed measures, the people said. The vote among the bloc’s member states was slightly delayed amid last-minute negotiations with Beijing to try to find a resolution that would avoid the new levies.
Talks between the two sides can continue even if member states adopt the tariffs, Bloomberg previously reported. The new date could still change, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The vote comes after a probe by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, found that China unfairly subsidises its EV industry and that tariffs are needed so that European manufacturers are not at a disadvantage.
China denies any unfair activity on its part, and has threatened retaliatory tariffs on European products such as dairy, brandy and pork, as well as cars with large engines.
The vote would pave the way for new duties as high as about 35 per cent to kick in from November for five years unless a qualified majority – 15 member states representing 65 per cent of the bloc’s population – opposes the move. The new tariffs would be on top of the existing 10 per cent rate.
