Forssell mentioned that he had conversations with the Commission and Sweden’s vehicle industry to explore alternatives to the tariffs. He emphasized the significance of ongoing discussions between the Commission and China, noting that they would actively monitor it as a critical issue.
Sweden has decided not to participate in the upcoming vote on Monday when European Union member states will determine whether to implement provisional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. This information was confirmed by Johan Forssell, the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, in an interview on Monday.
The European Union plans to introduce provisional tariffs as high as 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China, which marks a significant escalation in trade tensions with Beijing in what is the EU’s most significant trade case to date. Forssell explained that Sweden will abstain from voting on the tariffs, emphasizing the country’s commitment to free trade and open markets. He mentioned that he has engaged in discussions with the European Commission and representatives from Sweden’s vehicle industry to explore alternative solutions to the tariffs.
Forssell also highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue between the European Commission and China, stating that Sweden will actively monitor these discussions. This initial vote is not conclusive and will lead to a final vote. The European Commission’s tariff proposal will be adopted unless a qualified majority opposes it.
This news comes after Germany also abstaining its vote similarly.
