◆ Jiang Feng, chief writer of "Japanese Overseas Chinese Daily".
The recent announcement by the United States and the European Union of additional tariffs on battery electric vehicles (EVs) from China has sparked widespread attention and discussion. These measures are clearly in response to China's growing competitiveness in the global electric vehicle market. However, in today's globalized world, the potential impact of such protectionist measures is not limited to tariffs themselves.
First, the EU and US tariffs are clearly aimed at protecting their own manufacturing industries, especially the electric vehicle industry. With the rapid rise of China's electric vehicle industry, especially in technological innovation and cost control, China's electric vehicles are becoming more and more competitive in the international market. This has undoubtedly put tremendous pressure on traditional car manufacturers in Europe and the United States. By raising tariffs, Europe and the United States hope to weaken the price advantage of China's electric vehicles in the short term and protect the market share of their own companies.
However, these measures may also have some negative consequences. First, the increase in tariffs is likely to lead to an increase in the price of Chinese products, which will directly affect the choice of consumers in the United States and the European Union and the diversity of markets. In addition, such protectionist policies may trigger trade disputes, leading to tensions between the two sides and even multilateral trade relations, thus affecting the stability of global trade.
Unlike the positive attitude of the United States and Europe, the Japanese government has been relatively cautious on this issue. Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito, made it clear at the House of Representatives Committee on Economics and Industry in June that there is currently a limited number of EVs imported from China, so there is no need for a separate measure like the United States. This cautious attitude, at least for the time being, reflects Japan's desire not to blindly follow the trend of trade restrictions, but rather to rationally assess the impact on its own industry by analyzing domestic and foreign market conditions.
Japan's cautious approach may have some positive effects. First of all, as a global automobile manufacturing power, Japan's policies have a certain demonstration effect on the international automobile industry. By maintaining a stable trade policy, Japan can avoid trade disputes to a certain extent and maintain the international trade order. At the same time, it also provides a relatively stable market environment for Japanese companies, which helps them compete fairly in the global market.
Overall, the tariffs imposed by the United States and the United States on Chinese electric vehicles reflect the different strategies of countries in dealing with global competition. It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in the long term. How to find a balance between protecting domestic industries and maintaining the international trade order is a common challenge for all governments. The Japanese government's cautious attitude may provide a reference for other countries, and how to formulate a reasonable trade policy in the context of globalization is worthy of in-depth consideration and discussion. In a complex and volatile international environment, it is particularly important to maintain a calm, rational and restrained attitude. It is hoped that all countries can work together to address the challenges and create a more equitable, open and prosperous global economic system.