Sweden Abstains from EU Vote on Chinese EV Tariffs

Sweden will abstain in the EU vote regarding provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Johan Forssell, the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, emphasized Sweden's commitment to free trade and open markets while calling for ongoing dialogue with China to find alternatives.

Sweden has announced it will abstain from Monday's vote by European Union member states on the imposition of provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, according to Johan Forssell, the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

The European Union is set to impose provisional tariffs of up to 37.6% on EVs imported from China, escalating tensions with Beijing in what is dubbed the EU's largest trade case to date. Forssell stated, "Sweden will not vote for the measure but will abstain." He emphasized Sweden's strong commitment to free trade and open markets.

Forssell revealed that discussions had taken place with the Commission and Sweden's vehicle industry to explore alternatives to the tariffs. He stressed the importance of continued dialogue between the Commission and China, which Sweden will monitor closely. The first vote is non-binding, to be followed by a final vote where the European Commission's proposal will be adopted unless opposed by a qualified majority.

(With inputs from agencies.)