German automobile insiders have voiced their strong opposition against the EU’s latest decision to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, warning such move will hinder European automobile industry’s transformation and upgrading towards green and sustainable development.
The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its anti-subsidy investigation and decided to impose a definitive countervailing duty on imports of new battery EVs from China for a period of five years.
The sampled Chinese companies will be subject to different countervailing duties, specifically, 17.0 percent on BYD, 18.8 percent on Geely, and 35.3 percent on SAIC.
"The decision has not only intensified the trade dispute, it will also seriously damage global free trade. And it does nothing to address the strategic and structural problems facing the European automotive industry. On the other hand, it has hindered the promotion of electric vehicles in Germany and Europe, threatening the goal of cutting carbon emissions," said Michael Bose, Head of Internationalization of Automotive BerlinBrandenburg.
For ordinary EV consumers, tariffs translate to higher prices and limited choices. EV dealers emphasize that the most effective way to safeguard the domestic market is by enhancing the competitiveness of their products, rather than resorting to tariffs.
"For consumers, tariffs definitely mean higher prices. I think we should focus on producing better automobiles through competition to defend Germany’s advantages as an industrial power, not through tariffs," said Henrik Sachs, an automotive dealer.
Bose highlighted that the sustainable evolution of electric vehicles hinges on global cooperative innovation, not protectionism. China, as a significant player in the electric vehicle market, contributes to the modernization and transformation of the European automotive industry, he noted.
"China plays a crucial leading role in innovation and market development in EV industry. It is important to enhance cooperation with China in the field of new energy because the Chinese market can bring more new opportunities and innovations. We hope to ultimately eliminate these tariffs through dialogue, because for Germany, cooperation with China and creating synergies are crucial," said Bose.
German automobile industry opposes EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs
German automobile industry opposes EU decision on Chinese EV tariffs
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
