FM: EC’s Tariffs on Chinese EVs Are ‘Another Blow to Continent’s Competitiveness’.

Budapest: Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, expressed concerns in Budapest on Thursday regarding the European Commission’s decision to impose punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, describing the move as “another blow to the continent’s competitiveness”.

According to About Hungary, Minister Szijjártó stated that the measure does not serve the interests of European countries or businesses. He criticized the European Union’s executive body, led by Ursula von der Leyen, for allegedly “disregarding” the positions of member states and major European businesses with this decision.

Minister Szijjártó highlighted that only ten of the 27 European Union member states supported the measure, while companies within the European automotive industry have strongly opposed it. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with Chinese suppliers for the success of Europe’s electromobility strategy.

Moreover, Minister Szijjártó attributed responsibility to the EC president for what he described
as placing Europe “in a war it will lose,” potentially diminishing the EU’s influence in both the global economy and politics. The European Commission had announced on Wednesday that it would implement countervailing duties on imports of electric vehicles from China for a duration of five years, effective from Thursday.