After the United States announced the imposition of tariffs on China’s electric vehicles, European politicians expressed caution.

　　On May 14th, local time, the U.S. released the results of the four-year review of China’s tariff increase of 301, and announced that on the basis of the original tariff increase of 301, it would further increase the tariff increase on electric vehicles and other products imported from China. Among them, the import tariff on electric vehicles has been increased from 25% to 100%. A spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce said on the 14th that China resolutely opposes and makes solemn representations.

　　After the news was announced, the European Union, which conducted a countervailing investigation on China’s electric vehicles, was cautious.

　　On the 14th local time, Olof Gill, a spokesman for the European Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "European Commission"), said that the European Commission had taken note of the US decision and was evaluating its possible impact on the EU, and the US move was not coordinated between Washington and Brussels.

　　Usually, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), it is necessary to communicate within the framework on issues such as increasing tariffs. The European side’s speech means that the steps of the United States do not conform to WTO rules.

　　Jill added, althoughThe concerns of the two sides of the strait may be similar, but "we are solving these problems through our own means in line with WTO rules."

　　At a recent bilateral press conference, German Chancellor Angela Scholz and Swedish Prime Minister Christerson were both disapproving when asked about the US tariff increase on electric vehicles in China.

　　"As far as tariffs are concerned, we all agree that it is a bad idea to undermine global trade." Christerson said.

　　Scholz, on the other hand, said that since the results of the countervailing investigation conducted by the European Commission on electric vehicles in China have not yet been announced, he could not make a final statement on this.

　　Zhao Yongsheng, director of the French Center for Economic Research in university of international business and economics and doctoral supervisor of Sorbonne University in Paris, told the First Financial Reporter that on the whole, the EU and the United States have taken different measures against electric vehicles in China, highlighting obvious differences, and there are also obvious differences in strategies and effects. The US has blatantly violated WTO rules, and the European side still insists on conducting investigations while observing WTO rules. However, in recent years, it can also be seen that the European side has taken some other targeted measures against individual companies, directly imposing fines and disguised forms.

　　There are many voices against taxation in Germany.

　　It is reported that the relevant investigation initiated by the EU in September 2023 is drawing to a close, and the preliminary ruling date will expire on July 4 at the latest, but it is reported that it may be earlier.

　　Scholz said that at present, at least 50% of electric vehicles imported from China in Europe come from western brands, which are produced in China and then exported to Europe. "On this issue, this may be different from other countries and North America." He added that it should not be forgotten that European manufacturers are successfully selling cars in the China market.

　　Christerson’s position is even more obvious. When asked whether the EU should follow the example of the United States, he said: "We don’t want to disintegrate global trade, which is a stupid idea."

　　He explained that it is not a good idea for big import and export countries like Germany and Sweden to use punitive tariffs as a solution.

　　The First Financial Reporter noted that in recent media interviews by politicians, business executives and business groups in Germany, there were many voices opposing the imposition of tariffs on "imported electric vehicles from China" and warning the European Commission.

　　Oliver Zipse, president of BMW, warned that sanctions will lead to countermeasures, for example, important raw materials for electric vehicles will become scarce, and the European market has not been flooded by cheap China cars.

　　According to a study organized by Transport & Environment, about one out of every four electric vehicles sold in Europe in 2024 came from China, but most of these vehicles were actually produced in China by western car dealers, such as Spring, BMW Mini and iX3, which are owned by Renault subsidiary Dacia.

　　Jandera, president of the German Federation of Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), said that the EU should not adopt a protectionist policy towards China products. Otherwise, everything will be more expensive in the end, and the losers are market participants, consumers and enterprises.

　　Jandera added that if the EU follows the example of the United States, the German automobile industry will suffer greatly, because there is not a car in the EU that does not use parts from China, and European manufacturers also import their electric car models from China. "So, we will hurt ourselves. We must accept competition. " He said.

　　German Transport Minister Volker Wissing also warned that Europe should not impose punitive tariffs. "It is the wrong way to start a trade war with punitive tariffs." He said, "Our market should not be closed, but strengthened through competition. German companies are not afraid of competition. Our company produces top products for the world and will continue to do so in the future. "

　　There are still differences within the EU.

　　However, there are still disputes within the EU, among which there are great differences between Germany and France.

　　An anonymous French official said that the European side will not set a 100% tax rate, so that China’s electric vehicles generally cannot enter the European market, but the European side really needs to respond effectively. At present, the European Commission is convinced that some measures need to be taken for electric vehicles. This decision of the United States will only strengthen the determination of the European Commission.

　　Some scholars have suggested that although the US tariff is aimed at China, it may also use the same means for EU exports. Francesca Ghiretti, a non-resident researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the United States, said: "An unavoidable question is whether the EU will become the target of similar major unilateral measures if there is a new (American) government."

　　At present, the countervailing investigation conducted by the EU needs to be based on evidence, and the investigation time may be as long as 13 months, which reflects the EU’s prudence and consideration of procedural integrity to some extent.

　　Zhao Yongsheng told China Business News that the EU’s measures against China’s electric vehicles are based on trade policy procedures, which require long-term investigation, and the EU will not openly violate WTO regulations, which is ostensibly more compliant, while the United States politicizes the issue of China’s electric vehicles.

　　It is reported that once the investigation is completed, the EU may decide to impose a tariff on cars imported from China that is more than the current 10%, which will increase the current tax rate from 10% to 20%. The specific additional tax rate has not yet been determined, but it is likely to exceed 20%. In addition, the EU may also consider reducing import quotas, imposing fines, and restricting the way China’s electric vehicles enter the public procurement market. After the publication of countervailing investigation, China electric vehicle enterprises may face complicated licensing applications and may be required to disclose subsidized R&D and assets.

　　Zhao Yongsheng said that the EU also has a large number of other policy tools, such as the recent frequent use of the Regulation on Foreign Subsidies Distorting the EU Internal Market.