EU's Bold Move: Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles Ignite Trade Tensions

The European Commission gains support to impose up to 45% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, sparking responses from key EU members and auto industry leaders. Sweden urges EU-China negotiation, while BMW and Volkswagen warn against economic conflicts. Manufacturers fear impact on EU-China trade and consumer interests.

In a significant trade move, the European Commission announced its plans to impose tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, igniting potential trade tensions with Beijing. This decision marks one of the EU's most high-profile trade cases and carries broad implications.

Responses have poured in from across Europe. Sweden's Minister for Foreign Trade, Benjamin Dousa, highlighted the positive signals from the Commission for individual auto industry solutions. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban decried the EU's actions as an 'economic cold war.'

Industry leaders, including BMW's CEO Oliver Zipse, have expressed concern, viewing the tariffs as detrimental to the European automotive sector. Volkswagen and other companies emphasize the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent harming trade relations and consumer interests.

(With inputs from agencies.)