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China, EU must reason their way out of EV dispute: ex-Merkel adviser
Former adviser to German chancellor says dialogue, not punitive tariffs, should be basis for conflict resolution in EU-China dispute
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Shortly before new European Union tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to enter into force, a former economic adviser to Angela Merkel urged both sides to reach a solution through settlement and avoid “punitive” measures.
With the EU’s 27 member states slated to hold a crucial vote on Friday over additional duties of up to 35.3 per cent on the country's EVs – a hefty increase which could remain in effect for five years – Lars-Hendrik Roller suggested officials from both sides of the dispute find a “mutual and beneficial” solution before the new taxes are imposed.
European policymakers have accused Beijing of creating overcapacity in the sector by supporting major EV makers with subsidies, subsequently distorting markets with cheaper models. China has rejected these claims, with its finance minister dismissing them as “groundless”.
Roller – director general for economic and financial policy at the German chancellor’s office from 2011 to 2022 – tends toward diplomacy in his own stance on the disagreement. “I think the answer to the overcapacity problem … is not trade war, but multilateral solutions where we cooperate and solve the problem,” he said in an interview on September 24.
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