Europe introduces higher import duties for Chinese electric cars

Europe is preparing to drastically increase import tariffs on Chinese electric cars, with plans to implement these tariffs by July this year. The European Commission has announced that the duties could reach up to 38 percent for cars produced by major Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Geely (including Volvo, Polestar, and Lynk & Co), and SAIC (known for MG).

This decision follows an investigation launched last year, which found that Chinese car manufacturers receive substantial state support. This allows them to offer their electric vehicles at lower prices than their European competitors, which is considered a form of unfair competition that disrupts the European market.

The import duties vary depending on the level of cooperation of the manufacturers during the investigation, with BYD facing an additional duty of 17.4 percent, Geely 20 percent, and SAIC a significantly higher duty of 38.1 percent. These tariffs are intended to protect European car manufacturers and promote fair trade practices. These import duties are in addition to the standard import duties for passenger cars.

In response to this announcement, China has threatened possible countermeasures, including increasing import tariffs on European and American cars. These developments have significant implications for both the European car industry and consumers interested in electric vehicles from China.

For more detailed information and advice on how these changes may affect the import of electric cars, interested parties can contact SCL Rotterdam, where our experts are ready to assist with questions about international car transport and import regulations.

For further updates and insights on this development, stay tuned to our news page.