EU tariffs on Chinese EVs trigger backlash

Industry leaders, govts fear protectionist move may cripple fair global competition

BERLIN/BRUSSELS — The European Commission revealed on Wednesday a list of protectionist duties it would levy on imports of battery electric vehicles from China, sparking opposition and concerns from governments and businesses across Europe.

The provisional duties envisaged by the commission on the imports of EVs from China would range from 17.4 to 38.1 percent.

"The European Commission's punitive tariffs hit German companies and their top products," German Transport Minister Volker Wissing said on X. "Cars must become cheaper through more competition, open markets and significantly better business conditions in the EU, not through trade war and market isolation."