EU urged to rectify protectionist practices

Tariff decision on Chinese electric cars could bring retaliatory steps, experts say

China, in response to the European Union's decision to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made battery electric vehicles, will take all necessary actions to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese companies, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday, which has led analysts to say retaliatory measures are possible.

Beijing may choose to impose retaliatory duties targeting EU-produced large-engine vehicles, brandy and dairy products, they said. Additionally, there is a possibility of further tariff increases on EVs imported by China from the EU, they said, adding that any countermeasures would aim to send a clear message and urge the EU to reconsider its decision regarding Chinese EVs.

Less than a month after Washington announced plans to quadruple the duties for Chinese EVs to 100 percent, Brussels said it would also impose additional tariffs on such products, ranging from 17.4 percent for BYD to 38.1 percent for SAIC, on top of the standard 10 percent car duty.