The European Commission requested advisory votes from member states on whether to maintain the existing tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, which can reach up to 37.6%. This move has heightened tensions with Beijing in the EU’s most significant trade dispute.
On Tuesday, an official from the Finnish embassy to the EU revealed that Finland abstained from Monday’s EU vote on provisional tariffs for electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in China.
The European Commission had called for advisory votes from member states regarding the continuation of duties, which can reach up to 37.6%, on EVs imported from China. This has escalated tensions with Beijing in the EU’s most significant trade case.
A Finnish embassy official, speaking anonymously to Reuters to discuss the confidential vote, explained that Finland remains uncertain about the tariffs. The official noted that Finland still has reservations, particularly regarding the Union’s overall interest, as not all European car manufacturers believe this action aligns with their interests. This uncertainty is affecting markets and value chains.
The provisional tariffs are intended to curb what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described as an influx of cheap EVs produced with state subsidies. This initial vote is advisory and non-binding. A final vote will follow, and unless a qualified majority is against it, the European Commission’s tariff proposal will be implemented.
Last week, it was revealed that Finland was not the only country to abstain from the vote on provisional tariffs for electric vehicles (EVs) built in China. Germany and Sweden also chose to abstain from casting their votes. This development highlights a broader uncertainty and lack of consensus among EU member states regarding the proposed tariffs. The restrains from these significant economies underscore the complexities and differing perspectives within the Union on how best to address the issue of imported EVs and their impact on the European market. This collective hesitancy adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious trade case with Beijing.
