Italy supports EU tariffs on Chinese EVs

Italy has voiced strong support for the European Commission’s proposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to safeguard the competitiveness of its domestic carmakers.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed Italy’s backing in an interview with Corriere della Sera on Monday.

Tajani’s comments came ahead of his meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Rome, where discussions also covered intellectual property protection, agri-food trade, and investment.

The two leaders addressed broader geopolitical issues, including the war in Ukraine and crises in Gaza and the Red Sea, with Italy urging Beijing to help manage arms supplies to Russia and ensure maritime security in the Red Sea.

The European Commission is set to propose final tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent on Chinese EVs, in addition to the existing 10 per cent import duty.

Despite Italy’s support for these tariffs, Tajani stressed that this position does not undermine Italy’s strong trade relations with China.

The Italian government continues to seek balanced trade practices and investment opportunities, including efforts to attract Chinese carmakers to Italy.

Wang Wentao is scheduled to meet with European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on September 19 to further discuss these issues.