Europe revises EV tariffs for China, but it may be not enough

The European Union has once again arbitrarily changed the import tariffs on all electric vehicles imported from China, hoping to make life a bit easier for both local and foreign automakers after the initial shock.

Tesla had its additional import fee cut for the second time in a row – first from 20.8 to 9 percent and now to 7.8 percent. The additional fee applies on top of the base fee of 10% since this summer.

Geely had its import tariff reduced from 19.3 to 18.8 percent. Even SAIC Group, which had staunchly refused to cooperate with the EU authorities so far, had its fee toned down to 35.3 percent from the original 36.6 percent.

Just as this news came out, customs officials in China once again called upon their colleagues in Europe to start negotiations and work out a mutually beneficial deal instead of resorting to protectionist tactics.