A senior German politician has called for the European Union to impose import tariffs on Chinese-made hybrid cars, warning of unfair competition from subsidized manufacturers.
Sebastian Lechner, state chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Lower Saxony, urged the European Commission to act quickly in a letter seen on Friday. He argued that while the EU already imposes duties on Chinese electric vehicles, hybrid models face the most immediate import pressure from Chinese automakers and require similar protection.
Lechner referenced an OECD study estimating that approximately 60% of Chinese products' foreign market share is driven by state subsidies, labeling the practice a "distortion of competition." He stated that both the European Commission and the German federal government should adjust trade policy toward China in response.
The call comes as Lower Saxony, home to Volkswagen Group's headquarters in Wolfsburg, faces growing competition in the automotive sector. Lechner emphasized the need for rapid EU action to address what he described as the most pressing import challenge from Chinese manufacturers.
The European Commission has previously imposed anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, though hybrid models have not yet been targeted by similar measures.
