US Finalizes Sharp Tariff Hikes on Chinese EVs

The United States locked in tariff hikes on billions of dollars against Chinese goods Friday, with a 100 percent duty on electric vehicles and 25 percent on EV batteries taking effect in two weeks.

The White House announced the steep tariff increases in May, targeting key sectors including EVs, semiconductors, batteries and solar cells – drawing a fiery response from Beijing.

It also comes ahead of November's presidential election, where both Democrats and Republicans are seeking to show a tough stance on China as competition between both countries intensifies.

"Today's finalized tariff increases will target the harmful policies and practices of the People's Republic of China that continue to impact American workers and businesses," said US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a statement.

Apart from tariff increases beginning this year, the US Trade Representative's office also confirmed that a 50 percent duty on semiconductors – a sharp rise from before – would take effect in 2025.

These actions were taken after a review of tariffs imposed under then-president Donald Trump, who introduced levies on some $300 billion in goods from China.

AFP/RSS