EU divided over tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles amid growing geopolitical tensions

Discussions about tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are intensifying following a recent meeting of industry ministers in Brussels on Thursday (26 September). Member states are split on supporting these tariffs, with undecided countries like Sweden and Germany potentially abstaining.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao toured Europe earlier this month to lobby against the tariffs. Simultaneously, the European Commission and China are negotiating a "price undertaking" agreement that would set a minimum price for Chinese EVs in Europe to avoid tariffs. All this is happening amid growing geopolitical tensions between China and the EU, and increasing concern about the economic risks, particularly in Germany, which is heavily dependent on the Chinese auto market and may face retaliatory measures.

To better understand what is happening with the EU-China negotiations we spoke with our economy reporter, Thomas Moller-Nielsen.