EU countries pave way for major new tariffs on Chinese electric cars

European Union countries on Friday paved the way for additional tariffs of up to 35.3% on battery-powered electric vehicles imported from China, EU diplomats told dpa.

The European Commission had announced the extra tariffs after an investigation accused Beijing of subsidizing domestic electric car manufacturers and thus distorting the market in the EU.

Whether the import duties will come into force at the beginning of November, is now up to the commission.

The plans, which caused a stir in EU capitals and among carmakers, can still be dismissed if Brussels reaches a solution with China at the negotiating table.

Germany, which voted against the measure, repeatedly called for further talks with Beijing amid concerns over retaliatory actions which could hurt the country’s big car industry.