US pushes import tariffs on Chinese EVs and batteries

The United States government has imposed steep new tariffs on Chinese imports, levying up to 100% of the cost of electric cars and 25% of the cost of their batteries. An official announcement issued on Friday said that the additional tariffs will take effect within the following two weeks.

This action comes after the White House’s declaration in May of large tariff increases aimed at vital industries such as semiconductors, solar panels, electric cars, and batteries. China has already reacted strongly to the decision.

Aiming to reflect a harsh stance on China, especially as economic and geopolitical tensions between the two countries escalate, both Democratic and Republican presidential contenders announced the tariff hikes soon before the November elections in the United States.

The additional duties, as highlighted by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, are intended to offset detrimental Chinese policies and practices that have an adverse effect on American firms and labor.

The U.S. Trade Office verified that a hefty 50% duty on semiconductors would be imposed in 2025, a major increase from prior duties, in addition to the current tariff rises.

These steps are a part of a larger investigation of tariffs that were put in place under the previous president Donald Trump’s administration. under his time in office, charges were placed on imports from China valued at almost $300 billion.