EU raises tariffs on Chinese e-cars: wave of lawsuits by the carmaker!

EU raises tariffs on Chinese e-cars: wave of lawsuits by the carmaker!

Since the end of October 2024, the European Union has been raising compensation tariffs on imported electric vehicles from China. This measure was decided in response to the realignment of the market and the current competitive conditions. The tariffs vary depending on the manufacturer: While Tesla is loaded with 7.8 percent, the tariffs for Geely are 18.8 percent and even 20.7 percent for BMW. These new tariffs are added to an existing customs duty of ten percent, which could increase the costs for European consumers in the future reports the FAZ .

Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized the importance of a fair competition. The examinations of the European Commission showed that the value chain of battery -operated electric vehicles (BEV) in China was funded by unfair government subsidies, which can harm European manufacturers. To address this, the tariffs were introduced for a period of five years. In the case of non-cooperating manufacturers, such as SAIC, the customs set is even 35.3 percent informs the EU representation .

concerns of the automobile manufacturers

The new tariffs cause mixed reactions in the automotive industry. BMW has expressed concerns that the tariffs could restrict the range of electric cars for European customers and hinder the transition to climate-friendly traffic. Despite these challenges, BMW hopes for a political agreement to avoid a trade conflict. The situation is also complicated by the fact that Mercedes works with Geely in China, which could possibly have an impact on their pricing

The measures mean not only for Chinese manufacturers, but also for European companies. European manufacturers who produce in China and sell their vehicles in the EU are particularly affected. However, these can apply for customs make-up if you prove that you do not benefit from subsidies reports .

economic effects of the tariffs

Experts like Julian Hinz from the Kiel Institute for the global economy see the tariffs as necessary to stabilize market prices. He argues that the prices for electric cars in Europe were unrealistically low due to Chinese subsidies. The aim of the tariffs is to restore the natural price for vehicles produced in China and thus make the competitive conditions more fairer. Despite these measures, Hinz only expects minimal effects on European prosperity is reported by the Tagesschau .

However, the EU also depends on the cooperation with China and is looking for alternatives, WTO-compatible solutions to avoid a trade conflict. Further developments include Chinese reactions to the tariffs, including the announcement, an anti-dumping check of European products, such as pork, So the Tagesschau .