EU approves steep tariffs on Chinese EVs, despite lack of majority
www.euronews.com
Chinese producers of electric vehicles will soon face steep tariffs before selling their high-end goods in the EU market. #EuropeNews

cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/3451147

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European Union countries failed to agree on whether to slap China-made electric vehicles (EVs) with steeper tariffs during a closely watched vote that ended with too many abstentions, forcing the European Commission to overcome the political impasse and push its proposal over the finish line.

The outcome of Friday’s vote was not publicly available, although several diplomats told Euronews how each member state positioned itself:

  • 10 were in favour: Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands and Poland. (45.99% of the EU population)
  • 12 abstained: Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and Finland. (31.36%)
  • Five were against: Germany, Hungary, Malta, Slovenia and Slovakia. (22.65%)

The high number of abstentions reflects long-standing qualms about how Europe should stand up to China. Although the political consensus says that Beijing’s unfair trade practices merit a forceful, united response, threats of commercial retaliation appear to have dampened the resolve of many capitals as the make-or-break date neared closer.

It was up to the Commission, which has exclusive powers to set the bloc’s commercial policy, to break the gridlock and ensure the duties go through.

  • teawrecks@sopuli.xyz
    6·
    1 day ago

    Yeah, on the one hand it seems pretty clear that they’re trying to prevent competition/disruption and protect domestic car manufacturers’ sales. On the other hand, I don’t think I want China to end up with a monopoly on EVs.

    Between a rock and a hard place, as they say.

    • Jentu@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      1·
      39 minutes ago

      If their EVs are so good/affordable that it would destroy all domestic EV car competition, couldn’t non-chinese car companies just make better/more affordable EVs? Nah, gotta side with automotive corporations and against consumer choice.

      This is the kind of garbage move that creates things like the Chicken Tax in the US, which is a big reason Americans drive around tanks now instead of regular sized pick-up trucks.