The shadow of anti-subsidy tariffs looms over Chinese electric cars. Following a months-long investigation, the European Union found evidence of the provision of illegal subsidies from Beijing to their respective representatives, distorting competition in the Old Continent. The EU Commission has announced that it will begin registering imports of BEVs from the Dragon Republic on March 7. A preliminary move tointroduction of retroactive dutiesshould the community body decide to apply them.
We run for cover
The clear stance also derives from the precedents concerning the Asian country. In this case, we are referring to the aggressive policy adopted with photovoltaic panels, where a sort of monopoly has developed. Thanks to public support, companies in the sector have been able to apply unbeatable prices for continental start-ups, up to total return.
There is a fear among the authorities of seeing Chinese electric cars offered at rock-bottom prices, capable of irreparably damaging the local industry. Between October 2023 and January 2014, imports reported an increase of 11%with a worrying trend, guilty of jeopardizing jobs and internal production.
The statements released by the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, had angered the eastern state, which had defined it as an act of prohibitionism. Among the main detractors is France, which – according to rumors – insisted heavily on measures being taken. A thesis never confirmed by the parties involved, at least directly, because the lack of inclusion of Chinese electric cars in social leasing (which proved to be a huge success) seems to support the theory.
The reaction of the Chinese authorities
The EU is considering several countermeasures to protect the internal market and its companies. Introducing targeted tariffs is one of the most explored options in an attempt to level the playing field and restore fair competition. While we wait to hear official news, China’s reaction was not long in coming the launch of an investigation into brandy imported from Europe, in retaliation against recent maneuvers. Sensing the stormy air, the relevant four-wheel brands have already begun to adopt responses.
Certain companies, such as BYD, have decided to relocate their activities to the Old Continent, in order to avoid duties and carry out their offensive. And the feedback from traditional groups? It is divisive, because some of them have begun to maintain close relationships with their supposed rivals. Stellantis, for example, acquired a shareholding in Leapmotor, attracted by the possibility of using the relevant platform. The wealth of skills developed in the creation of BEVs is, in fact, very tempting.
Furthermore, in recent weeks the rumor has circulated according to which future Leamotor models will be commissioned at the Mirafiori plant in Turin. The scenario, neither confirmed nor denied by official spokespersons, would allow the group’s production run to be increased, in view of the objective of one million cars per year manufactured in our peninsula by the end of the decade. Which the CEO of the conglomerate, Carlos Tavares, recently reiterated in a speech to the microphones, extinguishing the controversy regarding the alleged disinvestment from the Bel Paese.
2024-03-08 07:28:00
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