German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his skepticism regarding the necessity of implementing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EV) in an interview with business weekly Wirtschaftswoche. The European Commission is currently conducting an investigation to determine whether punitive tariffs should be imposed. This move is intended to safeguard European Union automakers from the competitive advantage enjoyed by Chinese EV imports due to alleged state subsidies.
Scholz articulated his reservations by stating, “I am not very convinced of this, to put it politely.” He emphasized that he believes in a different approach for the economic model, one that does not rely on protectionism but rather focuses on the inherent attractiveness of European products.
He further drew historical parallels to underline his stance. Scholz pointed out that similar concerns arose when Japanese automakers entered the German market during the 1980s and resurfaced in the 1990s with the arrival of South Korean companies. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Europe managed to maintain its competitive position in the automotive industry.
In essence, Chancellor Scholz’s perspective is that Europe’s economic strength should be built upon the appeal and quality of its products rather than resorting to protectionist measures such as tariffs on Chinese EVs. This viewpoint reflects a commitment to open and competitive markets.
