BMW urges Berlin to oppose higher EU tariffs on Chinese EVs

BMW AG is urging the German government to oppose higher EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, fearing a trade conflict with China, its largest market. CEO Oliver Zipse warned Wednesday that additional tariffs could harm global companies and spark a trade dispute.

The EU will vote Friday on tariffs as high as 45 per cent on Chinese EV imports, with Germany expected to abstain. The European Commission proposed the tariffs, claiming China unfairly subsidises its EV industry.

German automakers, including Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, have opposed the tariffs, fearing retaliatory measures from China that could threaten sales. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Emmanuel Macron will discuss the issue in Berlin.

Attribution: Bloomberg

Subediting: M. S. Salama