The green paradox: how EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles undermine climate action

In October 2024, the European Union imposed tariffs of up to 35. 3% on electric vehicles (https: //www. lemonde. fr/en/european-union/article/2024/10/30/eu-slaps-extra-tariffs-of-up-to-35-3-on-chinese-evs₆730948₁56. html) (EVs) imported from China. The stated rationale was to protect European manufacturers from unfair subsidies (https: //www. cer. eu/insights/eus-drive-china-what-ev-tariffs-mean-europe). However, this decision directly affected EU green policies by increasing the cost and slowing the pace of the green transition. This case exemplifies the central paradox of contemporary climate trade policy, demonstrating that environmental considerations are often subordinate to economic interests.