EU Divided Over Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

The European Union governments are split on the decision to impose tariffs on China-made electric vehicles. The European Commission has proposed provisional duties of up to 37.6%. While France, Italy, and Spain support the tariffs, Germany, Finland, and Sweden have abstained. The Commission will further investigate before a definitive decision.

The European Union governments have shown a divided stance on the imposition of tariffs on imports of China-built electric vehicles (EVs). According to sources with knowledge of the vote held on Tuesday, this non-binding yet influential vote reveals differing national positions.

The European Commission has proposed provisional duties of up to 37.6% on EVs from China and sought member states' views through an advisory vote. A dozen EU countries voted in favor, four opposed, and 11 abstained. France, Italy, and Spain supported tariffs, while Germany, Finland, and Sweden abstained, citing varied concerns.

Germany's abstention was described as "critical solidarity" with the European Commission. Finland expressed doubts over the measure's alignment with EU interests, mentioning that not all European car manufacturers back the tariffs. Sweden emphasized the need for dialogue with China to find an amicable solution, amid Beijing's warnings of retaliation. The Commission will investigate further for three months before deciding on definitive duties, which would undergo a binding vote requiring a qualified majority for approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)