Europe adopts supertaxes of up to 35% on Chinese electric vehicles

Brussels is therefore imposing new customs taxes on Chinese electric vehicles of up to 35% in addition to the 10% already in force. Some member states, such as Germany, Slovenia, Malta, Slovakia and Hungary, were opposed to it.

Supertaxes come into effect on Thursday

Particularly because this trade war impacts their interests, especially Volkswagen which is already going through a crisis. Among the countries in agreement with the measure are France, Italy and Poland. Twelve countries abstained, including Spain and Sweden.

The measure will come into force on Thursday after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The aim is to protect the European automobile industry, or 14 million jobs, in the face of what is considered unfair competition by Brussels in the face of massive subsidies from Beijing.

Different taxes depending on the manufacturer

Taxes will be different depending on the manufacturer: Tesla (Shanghai) will be taxed at 7.8%, BYD at 17%, Geely at 18.8% and SAIC (MG Motor) at 35.3%. Groups which cooperated in the European investigation will be taxed at 20.7%, compared to 35.3% for those which refused.

The decision was taken following the failure of negotiations between the European Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, and the Chinese Minister, Wang Wentao. However, the dialogue remains open for a possible elimination of surcharges in the event of agreement.