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The Ill-Fated European Crackdown on Chinese Electric Vehicles

Europe's ambitious attempt to curb the influx of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) through punitive tariffs has largely fallen flat, with unintended consequences that only bolstered Chinese automakers' presence across the continent.

Europe's Strategy to Protect Its Automakers

European automakers, including giants like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen, grew increasingly concerned about the rapid rise of Chinese EV brands. In response, the European Union enacted tariffs ranging up to 44%, with an additional 10% in import duties, cumulatively reaching around 54%. These measures aimed to shield domestic car manufacturers from the competitive threat posed by Chinese imports.