Europe Votes to Impose Higher Tariffs on Electric Cars From China

Europe Votes to Impose Higher Tariffs on Electric Cars From China - The New York Times

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Europe Votes to Impose Higher Tariffs on Electric Cars From China

European Union officials say the duties are meant to protect the region’s automakers from what they say are unfair trade practices in China.

Melissa Eddy reported from Berlin, and Jenny Gross reported from London.

The European Union voted on Friday to impose higher tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, risking tensions with an important trading partner in an effort to protect an industry crucial to Europe’s economy.

The decision, which puts billions of dollars of trade at stake, is the bloc’s biggest response yet to concerns that European automakers are being undercut by Chinese competitors, whose electric vehicles, batteries and other goods are heavily subsidized by the government.

The tariffs, which go into effect on Oct. 31 and last for five years, range from 9 to 35.3 percent and come on top of an existing 10 percent duty on all automotive imports. But both European and Chinese officials have said they remain in negotiations to reach an agreement on the issue.

“The E.U. and China continue to work hard to explore an alternative solution,” the commission said in a statement on Friday, adding that any deal would have to be enforceable and within the rules set by the World Trade Organization.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

Melissa Eddy is based in Berlin and reports on Germany’s politics, businesses and its economy. More about Melissa Eddy

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

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