EU Climate VP Urges ‘Fair Competition’ with China in Green Energy Race

EU Targets Chinese EVs with 35‑Percent Import Tariffs

The European Union has announced that it will impose special import duties of up to 35 percent on electric vehicles manufactured in China. The move comes amid growing concerns that state‑subsidised Chinese automakers could flood European markets with cheap products and jeopardise the bloc’s industrial competitiveness.

EU‑China Summit in Beijing

European Union vice‑president for the Clean Transition, Teresa Ribera, flew to Beijing ahead of a major EU‑China summit. Ribera rejected Beijing’s accusations that the EU was engaging in protectionism.

Key points from Ribera’s visit:

• Europe wants a level playing field, not a race to lower wages, labour rights or environmental standards.
• EU sees a risk that over‑flooding of cheap Chinese goods could undermine European firms.
• EU will defend the interests of its companies, society, and business values.

Triggering the Trade Deficit

The EU fears that a manufacturing glut driven by massive subsidies could worsen the trade deficit. The bloc’s competition chief noted that the imbalance could undercut European firms with prices that do not reflect real cost.

EU Focus on Green Energy

In October, the EU imposed extra import taxes on Chinese electric vehicles and also investigated Chinese‑owned solar panel manufacturers. Ribera acknowledged that short‑term benefits exist but cautioned that long‑term investment could be jeopardised.

Balancing Global Relationships

China is seeking to improve relations with the EU to counterbalance the United States, whose president, Donald Trump, has disrupted the global order and withdrawn from international climate accords. Ribera highlighted that the EU would defend its values, society, and market sovereignty.

US‑EU Trade Deal Riddle

Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on the EU if a trade agreement was not reached by August 1. Ribera remained steadfast that EU digital competition rules, often condemned as “non‑tariff barriers,” would not be compromised.

Ribera’s final stance: “We will do our best to defend our citizens. The EU is not going to compromise on how we understand that we need to protect our society and economy.”

What’s Next?

Will the EU block import duty raise on Chinese EVs help Europe’s market? Will the EU win the trade deal with the US? Only time will tell, but the EU stands firm in defending a fair competitive environment.