Green Forum • 11 March, 2024 at 7:00 AM
The European Commission initiated customs registration procedures for imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), paving the way for possible tariffs if the ongoing EU trade investigation determines that these imports benefit from unfair subsidies.
The Commission's investigation focuses on assessing subsidies received by Chinese battery EVs and aims to safeguard EU producers through potential tariff measures. While the investigation is slated for completion by November, provisional duties could be enforced as early as July.
Citing a notable 14% year-on-year increase in imports since the investigation commenced formally in October, the Commission asserts it possesses compelling evidence indicating subsidization of Chinese EVs. It warns of potential harm to EU producers, which may prove challenging to mitigate, should the accelerated pace of Chinese imports persist before the investigation's conclusion.
In response, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU expressed disappointment, contending that the surge in imports mirrors the growing demand for electric vehicles within Europe.