EU to vote on Chinese electric cars, Germany speaks out, wants to avoid a trade war

On September 17, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said that, at all costs, the European Union (EU) and China must avoid a damaging trade war related to electric vehicles.

China and Germany are working hard to convince EU members to oppose tariffs on electric vehicles in a vote next week. (Source: Getty Images)

Speaking after meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Deputy Prime Minister Habeck stated: "We really want to avoid trade conflicts, the continuous increase in tariffs ultimately harms both sides... The European Commission (EC) and China should do everything possible to find a solution through negotiations."

Berlin is Beijing's biggest trading partner in Europe. The fate of the world's second-largest economy 's powerful auto industry has also influenced German policy for decades.

European "locomotive" automakers have invested heavily in China.

The two countries are now working hard to convince EU members to oppose tariffs on electric vehicles in a vote next week.

The EC is moving forward with a proposal for a final tariff of 35.3% on electric cars made in China, on top of the current 10% import duty.

The proposal will be put to a vote by the 27 member states. If a majority - 15 countries, or 65% of the EU's population - do not vote against it, it will be implemented by the end of October.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/eu-sap-bo-phieu-lien-quan-den-xe-dien-trung-quoc-duc-len-tieng-muon-tranh-mot-cuoc-chien-thuong-mai-286710.html