German government tries to prevent new tariffs on Chinese EVs

TapTechNews June 14 news, according to Bloomberg citing informed sources today, the German government is working hard to prevent the EU's decision to impose new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles from taking effect, or at least to soften the above decision if it cannot be stopped.

One of the informed sources who did not want to be named said that German officials were optimistic that the EU could find a solution in direct negotiations with China, and this meeting was confidential.

Germany believes that there is still room for an agreement with China before the tariff takes effect on July 4th. One of the informed sources said that German officials saw leeway and believed they had allies within the EU, and emphasized that not only China but also the EU must take action to reach an agreement.

It is reported that German Economy Minister Robert Habeck immediately said after the decision was announced that there is still a chance to try and 'hopefully succeed in preventing' the threat of a tariff-induced spiral.

According to TapTechNews' previous reports, both the German government and local car companies have expressed opposition to the EU's decision.

Folker Wissing, Minister of Federal Digitalization and Transport in Germany: The EU's move may trigger a 'trade war', which will not only not protect the development of related industries in Europe, but will also hurt German enterprises. He said that the industrial development needs an open market, a better business environment, etc., rather than a trade war and market isolation.

A spokesman for the German government: The EU should have a constructive dialogue with China on related issues. What Germany wants to see is not more restrictive measures, but a fair and competitive international trade environment.

BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse: 'The decision of additional import tariffs is wrong. The European Commission has thus damaged the interests of European companies and Europe. Protectionism risks starting a spiral: tariffs lead to new tariffs, lead to isolation instead of cooperation. From BMW Group's point of view, protectionist measures such as imposing import tariffs do not help to compete successfully in the international market. Free trade remains the guiding principle of the BMW Group.

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius: 'As an exporting country, we don't need to add trade barriers. We should work towards the removal of trade barriers in the spirit of the World Trade Organization.'

Volkswagen: 'In the long run, anti-subsidy tariffs usually are not suitable for enhancing the competitiveness of the European automotive industry. The timing of the EU Commission's decision is not conducive to the current weak demand for pure electric vehicles in Germany and Europe... The negative impact of this decision outweighs any potential benefits for the European, especially the German, automotive industry.'