U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the importance of quadrupling import duties on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to over 100% in August, stating that it is crucial to the health of the U.S. auto sector. In an interview with Reuters reporters and editors, Granholm highlighted the need to maintain a strong domestic EV industry and avoid ceding ground to China, as was witnessed in the solar panel sector.
Granholm noted that China’s industrial policy is aggressive, and the U.S. must take action to protect its industries. Washington is investing heavily in clean energy tax subsidies to develop U.S. EV and solar industries, and has raised concerns about China’s state-driven excess production capacity threatening American companies.
The tariffs, set to take effect starting August 1st, are aimed at safeguarding American jobs from a potential influx of cheap Chinese imports. Granholm stressed the importance of maintaining a manufacturing backbone and being tough on trade policy.
Regarding criticism of EVs from Republicans, Granholm stated that it would be “political malpractice” for a future Congress to reverse EV tax credits that benefit workers in Republican-voting states. She highlighted the job-creating aspect of these tax credits and emphasized the business community’s opposition to their repeal.
Granholm also provided an update on the federal government’s $7.5 billion program to develop public EV charging stations, expecting about 1,000 stations to be operational by the end of the year. She acknowledged the challenges of installing these stations, particularly in areas without electricity access.
In conclusion, Granholm reiterated the need to counter China’s industrial policies, stating that any president would support fighting back against such practices. The U.S. is taking steps to protect its industries and ensure a competitive market for American companies.
