Paris, France – Tesla CEO Elon Musk voiced his opposition to US tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) during a technology conference in Paris. This comes just days after President Joe Biden escalated tariffs on EVs imported from China.
Musk stated that neither he nor Tesla had requested these tariffs, highlighting his surprise at their implementation. The billionaire’s recent comments diverge from his earlier warning that Chinese car manufacturers would dominate global markets without trade barriers in place.
The White House defended the tariffs as responses to unfair policies and aimed at safeguarding American jobs. Musk criticized any actions that hinder free trade or distort the market, expressing his support for tariff-free competition.
Despite ongoing trade tensions, Tesla has managed to compete effectively in the Chinese market without facing tariffs or preferential treatment. Musk emphasized his stance in favor of eliminating tariffs altogether to promote fair competition and market dynamics.
President Biden, maintaining tariffs introduced by his predecessor while increasing pressure on Beijing, has emphasized the importance of not allowing China to control markets such as electric vehicles, batteries, computer chips, and medical supplies.
In response to US tariff hikes, China has announced retaliatory measures to address trade disputes with the US and Europe, signaling potential tariffs on large-engine cars imported from the EU and US. The European Commission is set to decide on imposing measures against Chinese-made EV imports by July 4.
The tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, with each side taking measures to protect its domestic industries while navigating the complexities of international trade relations. As the global market for EVs and related technologies evolves, the dynamics of competition and cooperation between major players like the US, China, and the EU will shape the future of the industry.