Editorial: Le Monde

• The European Commission has published customs tariffs for Chinese electric vehicles, with a cap at 36.3%
• This decision was taken following an investigation into subsidies granted by Beijing to its automotive industry to counter unfair competition with European manufacturers
• China has responded by opening an investigation into the commercial practices of certain dairy products exported by the EU
• The electric vehicle dispute between Europe and China is set to continue, as the implementation of the decided tariffs requires majority approval from EU members
• Intensive discussions are underway to find an alternative and avoid a trade war
• The slowdown in China's economy has led consumers to purchase less, resulting in overcapacity in the industry
• There are concerns about Europe being flooded with cheap Chinese electric cars
• Despite pressures and threats, Europe stands firm in its decision
• The conflict should not be prolonged and should serve as a test for China's overproduction capabilities and Europe's goal of ending sales of internal combustion cars by 2035

Conclusion: The alternative solution might involve incentivising China to produce these vehicles in European factories and adapting the European industry to this competition, enhancing its capacity for innovation and reducing its dependence on raw materials

---