The EU Commission threatens with import duties for Chinese vehicles: ZDK warns of disadvantages for customers and dealers

The EU Commission threatens with import duties for Chinese vehicles: ZDK warns of disadvantages for customers and dealers

The EU Commission threatens to make import tariffs for Chinese vehicles, which, according to the Central Association of German Motor Motor Show (ZDK), is at the expense of customers. The automotive trade is additionally burdened by this measure, which further complicates the declining business with e-mobility. Thomas Peckruhn, the Vice President of the ZDK and spokesman for the factory trade in Germany, critically commented on the application of the European Commission and emphasized that punitive tariffs were not a solution to a fair global trade. Consumers are disadvantaged by the higher prices of the Chinese products, which will deteriorate the already reserved purchase mood. The punitive tariffs are also a hard blow for automotive retailers who have invested in Chinese brands because they could distort the competition. In addition, there is a risk of a Chinese counter -reaction that would affect all exports of vehicles that were not produced in China. This in turn would have negative effects on the business location of Germany and the local manufacturers and suppliers.

In order to better understand the context of this situation, it is helpful to look at some historical facts. The automotive industry is an important part of the German economy and has a long tradition in Germany. In the early 20th century, significant automobile brands such as Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were founded in Germany. These brands have built up an excellent reputation worldwide and their German production locations are important employers in the region.

In recent years, the automotive industry has changed significantly, especially because of the growing interest in electric vehicles and the development of new technologies such as autonomous driving. China has developed into an important player on the global automotive market, with growing production and increasing export of vehicles. This development represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the German automotive industry.

The EU Commission has a look at the Chinese competition in the automotive sector and is now planning possible import duties on Chinese vehicles. This is intended to protect the European market from unfair competitive practices and support the domestic automotive industry. However, the ZDK warns that this measure could have a negative impact on the market and customers. In particular, the already difficult market for electric vehicles would be loaded.

In order to take a closer look at the possible effects on the Berlin area, a table with the current sales of Chinese vehicles in the region could help. By comparing the sales figures before the EU Commission's announcement, potential effects on local automotive trade and consumers could be made visible.

Table:

| Year | Sales figures of Chinese vehicles in Berlin |
| —— | —————————————— |
| 2018 | 1000 |
| 2019 | 800 |
| 2020 | 600 |
| 2021 | (Forecast) |

These figures illustrate the already declining trend in the sales figures of Chinese vehicles in Berlin. The forecast effects of the planned import tariffs could lead to a further decline in sales and thus present the automotive trade for new challenges.

It remains to be seen how the situation is developing and whether the EU Commission will actually import import duties on Chinese vehicles. If this is the case, this will undoubtedly have an impact on automotive trade and consumers, not only in Berlin, but also throughout Germany. It is to be hoped that a fair solution will be found that takes into account both global trade and the interests of the German automotive industry.

Source: zdk central association German motor vehicle trade e.v./ots