Cupra Tavascan gets slapped with Chinese import tax

Cupra may advertise the Tavascan as a purebred Spanish e-SUV, but that doesn’t invalidate the fact that it’s made in China. As such, it may end up the latest victim of EU’s anti-China protectionist policies.

With the new regulations in place, all electric vehicles imported from China are subject to a 31.3% import fee – up from the standard 10%. According to Cupra CEO Wayne Griffith, the difference can be downright existential for the brand. If the prohibitive import tariffs stay in place, the sales may plummet and Volkswagen Group may end up having to shut down even more production sites than planned, as well as dismiss more workers.

Long story short, another automobile manufacturer is voicing concerns that the anti-China sanctions imposed by Europe may backfire dramatically against the very industries the EU is trying to protect.