The German government will vote against imposing European Union tariffs on electric vehicles from China, dpa learned on Thursday.
EU countries will vote on Friday on the contentious issue of additional tariffs of up to 35% on battery-powered electric vehicles imported from China.
Sources within the German Ministry of Economic Affairs told dpa that Berlin’s goal was fair competition, not a trade war.
The ministry’s goal is a negotiated solution that safeguards the interests of both sides, it suggested.
The German decision could help torpedo the measure, which would require opposition from 15 of the EU’s 27 member states, representing at least 65% of the bloc’s population.
The powerful German car industry, which is heavily dependent on the Chinese market, has warned of a global trade conflict and has lobbied intensively against the tariffs.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also signaled his opposition, while his coalition partners have further questioned the EU’s move.
The tariffs, which could be introduced as early as November, could still be avoided if China and the EU agree to settle the dispute.
The measure was announced by the European Commission after an investigation accused Beijing of distorting the EU market by unfairly subsidizing domestic electric vehicle manufacturers.
According to the commission, Chinese electric cars are on average 20% cheaper than EU models.
