The European Commission reduced Volkswagen’s import tariff rates for the Cupra Tavascan, produced by the German automaker’s SEAT subsidiary in China. The VW Cupra Tavascan received a duty of 21.3%, slightly lower than the initial 37.6% rate.
The Cupra Tavascan was not included in the Commission’s sample when it initiated a probe on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China. The Commission’s initial provisional tariffs on China-EV imports ranged from 17.4% to 37.6%. BYD, Geely, and SAIC received individual tariff rates.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturers in China who cooperated with the Commission’s investigation, like Tesla and BMW, received a tariff rate of 20.8%. Meanwhile, automakers who did not cooperate with the investigation received the maximum rate of 37.6%.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Commission reduced the duty rates on China-made EV imports, with the maximum now being 36.3%. BYD, Geely, and SAIC, which received individual rates, were assigned reduced duties. Tesla China also received a new individual rate of 9%, significantly lower than the original 20.8%.
The Commission’s new China-EV tariffs are imposed on top of Europe’s 10% import duties. The Chinese government has filed an appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO), arguing against the European Union’s provisional tariffs on electric vehicles made in China.
At maximum, China-made EV imports will have a duty of 46.3%—including the 10% import tariffs already imposed in the EU. In comparison, US President Joe Biden imposed a 100% duty rate on Chinese-made EV imports in the United States. Canada is considering similar 100% tariffs.
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