The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the European Union’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, stating its objections in a statement released on Saturday.
According to CAAM’s post on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, manufacturers had cooperated with the European Commission’s investigation into Chinese subsidies. However, CAAM accused the inquiry of disregarding factual evidence and preselecting outcomes.
The European Union introduced tariffs ranging from 17.4% to 37.6% on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles starting Friday, with a provisional period of four months during which intensive negotiations between the EU and China are anticipated.
“CAAM deeply regrets this and firmly considers it unacceptable,” the statement read.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen justified the provisional duties as a preventive measure against a potential influx of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles subsidized by the state.
The move highlights escalating trade tensions between the EU and China, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, amid broader geopolitical economic strategies.
