EU hits EVs with tariffs, drawing Beijing rebuke

Surging numbers: BYD EVs waiting to be shipped overseas from a port in China. The company’s cars will now face tariffs of 17.4% in Europe. — AFP

BRUSSELS: The European Commission (EC) said it will impose extra duties of up to 38.1% on imported Chinese electric cars from July, risking retaliation from Beijing which said on Wednesday it would take measures to safeguard its interests.

Less than a month after Washington announced plans to quadruple duties for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to 100%, Brussels said it would combat excessive subsidies with additional tariffs ranging from 17.4% for BYD to 38.1% for SAIC, on top of the standard 10% car duty.