Brussels
This means that import duties on Chinese electric cars, of up to 35.3 percent, will be permanent. Member States were divided over the European Commission’s proposal: France and Italy were in favour, Spain abstained and Germany, after much deliberation, decided to vote against. Berlin is wary of China’s countermeasures, which could seriously affect German industry.
In total, ten countries were in favor of the tariff wall, five Member States were opposed and twelve abstained. This means that there is a majority in favor of the Commission’s proposal.