📋 Tender Overview
There was no majority in Brussels for the withdrawal of EU punitive tariffs on electric cars from China. A negotiated solution is possible by the end of October.
Economics Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut expressed concern about the confirmation that the additional tariffs on electric cars from China, which were provisionally decided in July 2024 and can sometimes amount to more than 35 percent, will continue to be imposed for a period of five years. A corresponding decision was made today after heated debate in the European Council.
"I share the European Commission's intention to work for a level playing field in the electric car market, which is currently developing and hopefully expanding widely - but I do not at all agree with the use of punitive tariffs as the appropriate means of choice," said Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. This would increase the risk of an escalating trade conflict with China, which would hit the German export economy and especially our automotive industry hard in their already difficult situation, the minister continued.
According to the Baden-Württemberg Minister of Economic Affairs, the European Union should work to develop a competitive market for electric vehicles through improved framework conditions and free trade, and not reinforce the already existing trend of growing international protectionism through its own measures. "Ultimately, this policy harms everyone involved, it dampens economic growth, and it generally comes at the expense of customers and consumers," said Hoffmeister-Kraut.
The minister is disappointed, but not surprised, that the German government, which is also divided on this issue, was unable to convince a sufficient number of member states in the European Council to say no to the punitive tariffs in question. As is so often the case with economic policy issues, the French line has prevailed. The German government must now do everything in its power to persuade the European Commission, in further talks with the European Commission, to reach a negotiated solution with representatives of China by the end of October.
