Is the course of high duties on Chinese electric vehicles the right one: what foreign media write about it?
The European Union’s decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric cars has become one of the most discussed topics in the world of the automotive industry and international trade. The European Commission has received the right to introduce tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese electric cars, citing the need to protect local manufacturers from a potential threat arising from the rapid development of Chinese companies in this segment. This decision, although approved by the majority, was opposed by the German government, which voted against it. In the minority, Germany pointed to the potential economic risks and consequences for consumers who could face rising electric car prices.
Foreign media are actively commenting on this move by the EU, noting that such a decision can cause not only economic, but also political consequences.
POLITICAL notes that Germany opposed these measures. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern that the move could lead to a trade war with China, as German carmakers such as Volkswagen and Mercedes are heavily dependent on the Chinese market. He called on the EU to avoid protectionist measures and instead support global competition, stressing that restrictions on Chinese electric cars could have unwanted consequences for Europe’s economy.
The publication writes that despite Germany’s efforts, most EU countries supported the introduction of tariffs, and negotiations with China regarding possible compromises have not yet led to a result. The decision also posed a challenge to the governments of France and Germany, which have different approaches to regulating the electric car market. France actively supported the introduction of tariffs, citing the need to protect European producers.
The Guardian notes that France actively supports these tariffs as it seeks to protect its auto industry from cheap imports from China. The French government believes that Chinese state subsidies for electric cars put European manufacturers at a disadvantage. The publication emphasizes that this move could be part of Europe’s broader economic strategy to strengthen its industrial base and reduce dependence on imports from Asia, especially as the EU seeks to achieve climate goals and develop green energy.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung – Switzerland. As the Neue Zürcher Zeitung notes, Ursula von der Leyen follows the same pattern:
“This is a success for the head of the European Commission and for the effectiveness of the European Union. And this is a defeat for Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. …The power-loving head of the European Commission… has again arrived according to the recipe that already helped her mobilize aid to Ukraine once. Namely: it launches some initiative in a small group, then unexpectedly sets a new direction – and only then begins to gain the broad support of member countries. After all, without the latter, it is powerless.”
Handelsblatt – Germany. This step was inevitable for the preservation of European industry, – emphasizes the Düsseldorf Handelsblatt:
“The tariff is a clear signal to Beijing that Europe is no longer willing to support China’s economic model to the detriment of its own enterprises. Large-scale state subsidies and other means of support from the state have allowed Chinese enterprises to build up high production capacities at very little cost. … Those who criticize the introduction of tariffs should consider the fact that one by one countries are closing their markets to Chinese goods – and acting much more harshly than the European Commission is doing now.”
The Irish Times – Ireland. Escalation between Brussels and Beijing will only harm both sides, warns Dublin’s The Irish Times:
“Getting involved in a trade war with the European Union, its largest trading partner, is the last thing the Chinese economy needs right now, and above all against the background that domestic demand remains low. And because of the military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which are causing heavy losses trade, European farmers, industrial producers and other exporters cannot now afford a decline in exports to China. …Beijing and Brussels must do everything possible to reach a compromise that would both protect European industry and prevent a slide into a trade war that promises nothing but harm to the parties.”
