Germany’s Transport Minister, Volker Wissing, has emphasized the country’s preference for equal competition over a trade war in response to the European Commission’s investigation into the import of electric cars from China. In an interview with Stuttgarter Zeitung and Stuttgarter Nachrichten, Wissing expressed that Germany aims to compete in the market rather than close it off.
Wissing stressed the importance of creating an environment where companies can continue to add value domestically and maintain their competitive edge in international trade. He highlighted that Germany is heavily reliant on global trade and produces goods for the entire world. To avoid escalating to a full-blown trade war, Wissing believes that international trade should take place in an equal and standardized competitive environment with punitive tariffs being used only as a last resort.
The European Commission initiated an investigation to determine if Chinese exporters of electric cars receive unfair advantages due to subsidies, resulting in Chinese vehicles being approximately 20 percent cheaper compared to those produced in the EU. The investigation may lead to punitive tariffs being imposed as a response. However, the German government remains committed to fostering fair competition in the international market to safeguard the interests and competitiveness of German companies.
