Germany’s Scholz skeptical about EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed skepticism Tuesday about raising EU tariffs on electric (EV) vehicles imported from China.

“I would like to point out that currently 50% of electric vehicle imports from China in fact come from Western brands that produce vehicles there,” Scholz told reporters when asked about a US decision to hike tariffs on Chinese EV imports.

Scholz signaled the EU would not be making a similar move because there are “many overlaps and mutual exchanges” making conditions for Europe different.

“We should not forget: European car manufacturers, and also several American companies, are successful in the Chinese market, and they are also selling a lot of vehicles produced in Europe to China. That is perhaps another difference to take into consideration,” he said.