The recent disputes between the European Union (EU) and China over subsidies for electric vehicles (EV) have sparked discussions on whether they may lead to a full-blown tariffs war. The electric vehicle market, expected to dominate the automobile industry in the coming years, is witnessing both regions trying to take the lead.
The EU accused China of giving unfair subsidies to its homegrown electric car manufacturers like BYD, Nio, and XPeng, thereby gaining a significant ecological edge and putting European manufacturers like Volkswagen and BMW at a disadvantage. This accusation has escalated tensions between the two massive economies, stirring speculation about a potential tariffs war.
China is currently the world’s most significant electric car market, buoyed by sizable government subsidies and numerous incentives given to EV manufacturers. The EU, at the same time, is ramping up its EV production to combat climate change and switch to greener transport. An alleged unfair advantage to Chinese manufacturers could hinder the growth of the European EV industry, which is still in its infancy compared to China’s.
If these brewing tensions result in a tariffs war, the consequences could be detrimental for both regions. For starters, a tariffs war could hinder the global ambition of switching to greener transportation. EVs are critical in the fight against climate change, and any stunting of their growth would be counterproductive.
Moreover, tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers, thereby possibly slowing demand for electric vehicles. It might also stifle innovation as companies will be forced to look inward, focusing more on survival than on research and development.
The possibility of a tariff war could also prolong the battering the global economy has taken due to the pandemic, as trade wars tend to lead to uncertainty and volatility in markets, further affecting economies on both sides.
The escalating row between China and the EU over EV subsidies is undoubtedly concerning. Both sides need to promote dialogue and ensure fair competition within the industry, making electric cars affordable and accessible to consumers worldwide. After all, the aim is not just about leading the EV market but about saving the planet. Hence, any move likely to adversely affect the growth of green transport should be approached with caution.
