United States: Taxes on electric cars made in China to rise from September 27

The Biden administration recently detailed the implementation of new customs duties on products from China. In the White House's sights, we find in particular electric cars, batteries, solar panels and even semiconductors.

The United States wants to defend its manufacturers

On May 14, the United States announced the increase in the tax on electric cars made in China. This has been multiplied by 4 and now reaches a symbolic rate of 100%. These new customs duties will be officially applied from September 27. In addition to automobiles, other products made in China are targeted by the American government.

A few days ago, the Office of the Trade Representative revealed all the details on the application of these new taxes. The customs duties on batteries will amount to 25%, those on solar panels to 50% and those on semiconductors will also be 50%. For these 3 products, the tax will only apply from January 1, 2025. Objective: "to protect American workers and companies".

"China is cheating with electric cars"

This is in any case what we can read in the press release from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). "These actions underscore the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to defend American workers and companies against unfair trade practices", specifies Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative (USTR).

A statement that is in line with what President Biden said in the spring. At the time, he explained that “China is cheating, but we’re not going to let them flood our market. We’re never going to let China control the electric car market.” The changes proposed by the White House have therefore been widely adopted. 

A subject at the heart of the presidential campaign currently pitting Donald Trump against Kamala Harris. For his part, the Republican candidate wants to increase customs duties even further if he is elected. The Democratic candidate is expected to stick to the line proposed by Joe Biden. However, she criticized Trump for having “launched economic wars” when he was in power.