Grapevine

EU states greenlight extra tariffs on EVs from China

EU countries gave a definitive green light on Friday to hefty additional tariffs on electric cars made in China, despite German warnings that it will spark a trade war with Beijing.

The European Commission—which provisionally approved the step in June after an inquiry found that Beijing's state aid to auto manufacturers was unfair—now has free rein to impose steep tariffs for five years from end October.

China has slammed the "protectionist" tariffs and warned they would trigger a trade war, but talks on addressing the subsidy dispute will continue between the two sides despite Friday's vote.

Ten member states including France, Italy and Poland supported imposing the tariffs of up to 35.3 percent, coming on top of existing duties of 10 percent, several European diplomats told AFP.

Only five including Germany and Hungary voted against while 12 abstained including Spain and Sweden.