BRIEF: EC Makes Slight Cuts In China EV Tariff Proposals

MNI (BRUSSELS) - The European Commission said on Tuesday it has revised downwards draft definitive tariff proposals on the biggest Chinese electric vehicles exports following consultations with manufacturers. 

Proposed duties on BYD EV exports have been reduced to 17.0% from 17.4% suggested in early July, on Geely to 19.3% from 19.9% and SAIC to 36.3% from 37.6%. 

The duty rate for cooperating companies not investigated by the Commission is proposed at 21.3% rather than the current provisional one of 20.8%. The rate for non-cooperating companies is the same as the SAIC rate of 36.3%. Exports to Europe from Tesla’s China-based factories will face a 9% tariff. 

Interested parties have 10 days for further comments. Member states will be consulted before a final decision due by Oct 30.

A Commission official said negotiations with China are ongoing and that the EU is open to  proposals from Beijing that might achieve the same result as the tariffs. (See MNI: EU-China Near EV Deal Amid Fears Over Trump, Growth)