European Union countries on Friday cleared the way for additional tariffs of up to 35.3% on battery-powered electric vehicles imported from China, EU diplomats told dpa.
The European Commission had announced the additional tariffs after an investigation accused Beijing of subsidizing domestic electric car manufacturers and thus distorting the EU market.
Whether the import duties will come into effect at the beginning of November is now up to the committee.
The plans, which caused uproar in EU capitals and among car manufacturers, could still be rejected if Brussels reaches a solution with China at the negotiating table.
Germany, which voted against the measure, repeatedly called for further talks with Beijing amid concerns over retaliation that could damage the country’s major auto industry.