Figure: EU imports of electric vehicles from China, sales share of Chinese-made electric vehicles in Europe

European officials

German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Habeck: “It would be really bad if tariffs were used as a protectionist tool, if we entered into a tariff race. That would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”

Norwegian Finance Minister Werdum: “Imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles is neither relevant nor desirable for this government.”

Hungarian Minister of National Economy Nagy: “Protectionism is not the solution. Instead, we need cooperation and free market competition.”

European car companies

German Automobile Industry Association: “Imposing tariffs will undermine free trade and provoke a trade war.”

Volkswagen: “Tariffs will undermine competition and weaken demand for electric vehicles in Europe in the long term.”

Mercedes-Benz: “Fair and free global trade is very important. It promotes innovation and growth. As an exporting country, we do not need rising trade barriers.”

BMW: “Imposing tariffs will hinder the development of European car companies and will also harm Europe’s own interests.”

expert

“Imposing tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China will further reduce external investment in Europe, hinder the innovation and development of the European automobile and transportation industries, and will not be conducive to Europe’s green transformation,” said Burtz, vice chairman of the Eurasian Center.

Compiled by Ta Kung Pao