China has criticised proposed increases in tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles that the European Union is reported to be contemplating.
A Chinese spokesperson said such a move would be protectionist.
The EU has accused Beijing of illegally boosting its manufacturers in this emerging market and, in September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen initiated an anti-subsidy investigation.
Sources close to the matter told French news agency AFP that the Commission is now ready to impose tariffs of up to 25% on these imports on top of the current 10% in customs duties.
Reacting to the potential tariffs, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, condemned the anti-subsidy investigation as typical protectionism.
“The EU is using this as an excuse to impose import duties on electric vehicles from China,” Lin said at a press briefing.
This contradicts the principles of a market economy and international trade rules, and undermines Sino-EU economic and trade cooperation, as well as the stability of global automotive production and supply chains, the spokesperson emphasised.
“Ultimately, it would be detrimental to the EU’s own interests,” the spokesperson said.
