Shipments of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) to Europe surged in September, nearing record highs as the European Union prepares to impose substantial new tariffs on imported EVs. Chinese car manufacturers exported 60,517 EVs to the European Union (EU) last month, a 61% increase from the same period last year, marking the second-highest level on record, behind October 2023, according to local customs data.
This surge in exports comes just weeks before the EU is expected to implement tariffs aimed at Chinese EV imports. On October 4, the EU voted in favor of the new tariffs, despite opposition from five member states. The tariffs, which are anticipated to take effect by the end of the month, were not overturned as the vote did not meet the required majority of 15 member states representing 65% of the bloc’s population.
Germany, the EU’s largest economy, voted against the tariff increases, citing concerns about potential retaliatory trade actions from China. German businesses, many of which have strong trade links with China, could be impacted if Beijing responds with its own trade measures.
Negotiations between China and the EU are ongoing in an effort to reach a compromise before the tariffs are enforced. If no agreement is reached, the tariffs are expected to be implemented by the end of the month.
China has already responded by challenging the legality of the tariffs under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. In retaliation, Beijing raised tariffs on EU-imported brandy from 30.6% to 39% and is reportedly considering similar measures on pork, dairy products, and vehicles with large-displacement engines imported from Europe. These potential countermeasures highlight the growing trade tensions between the two economic powers.
Source: Auto News
