The European Union plans to impose special tariffs on Chinese-made Tesla electric cars in the amount of 9%. Tariffs for other manufacturers will also change slightly. About this reports Bloomberg.
The EU is trying to counter Beijing's subsidies to Chinese carmakers. On July 4, the bloc introduced temporary tariffs for three Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. They will be valid until November 2024. Tariffs are now being actively discussed.
For SAIC, Geely and BYD, special duties may amount to 36.3%, 19.3% and 17%, respectively. Other companies that cooperated with the EU during the anti-subsidy investigation will face a 21.3% tariff, while the rest will face tariffs of 36.3%.
For Tesla, the 9% duty is relatively welcome, as it is lower than other manufacturers.
Meanwhile, an EU investigation found that Tesla sold batteries below market value and received land use rights, income tax breaks and grants in various forms, including a national subsidy.
If the majority of EU member states do not block the measures in a mandatory manner by August 30, the European Commission will publish the final regulation on tariffs by October 30. The tariffs will then be valid for five years and may be extended upon review.
Brussels and Beijing have been holding talks in recent months to see if an alternative solution can be found. The EU says that any such decision must comply with the rules of the World Trade Organization and solve the main problem of subsidies.
China says the measures are protectionist and has threatened to retaliate with tariffs on a range of sectors, including pork, large-engined cars and spirits.