The European Union has agreed to slap high tariffs on imports of Chinese electric bicycles after results of an investigation pointing to dumping from Chinese producers.
The investigation, carried out by the EU’s legislative branch, the European Commission, recommended tariffs from 21.8% to as high as 83.6% for some offenders, though all Chinese e-bikes should be subject to some form of duty, reports Reuters.
According to the Commission, Chinese e-bike exports to the trading bloc had increased three-fold between 2014 and 2017, boosting the market share of Chinese manufacturers by 35%. Prices during this period fell by an average of 11%.
Despite a meeting earlier this week between EU representatives and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, where both sides championed international trade, the EU is currently increasing its resistance to what it sees as unfair practices from Chinese companies. The EU has already placed tariffs on Chinese solar panels and steel this year.