Days after President Joe Biden quadrupled taxes on electric vehicles imported from China. Tesla boss Elon Musk said he opposes the U.S. Tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (E.V.s). “Neither Tesla nor I asked about these tariffs,” the billionaire said via video link at a tech conference in Paris.
Musk’s comments contradict his warning in January that without trade barriers. Chinese automakers would “destroy” competitors in other countries. Last week, the White House said new measures, including 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. are a response to unfair policies and aimed at protecting American jobs.
“Actually, I was surprised when it was announced. “Anything that impedes freedom of exchange or distorts markets is bad,” Musk said Thursday. “Tesla is competing very well in the Chinese market without tariffs or support deferrals. I’m not in favor of tariffs,” he added. Biden has increased trade pressure on China while maintaining a series of Chinese tariffs introduced by his predecessor, Donald Trump. Last week, Biden vowed not to let China “unreasonably dominate the market for electric vehicles, batteries, computer chips, and other essential goods, including basic medical supplies.
Opposition of Tariff
“China opposed the tariff hike and said it would take retaliatory measures. This week, China launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of widely used plastic from the U.S., E.U., Taiwan, and Japan. The Commerce Department’s announcement that it would investigate imports of polyoxymethylene copolymers used in electronics and cars. Was seen as a sign that China would fight back in its trade dispute with the United States and Europe.
China also signalled this week that it could impose tariffs of up to 25% on cars with large engines imported from the E.U. and the U.S. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the E.U. said it had been informed of the possible move by so-called “insiders.” The European Commission (E.C.), which oversees the E.U.’s trade policy, has set a July 4 deadline to decide whether to impose measures on imports of Chinese-made electric cars.
