TESLA

Elon Musk opposes 100% taxation on imports from China

After Joe Biden's administration announced 100% taxation on imports from China, including electric cars, anyone who thinks that the news pleased one of the main competitors of Chinese automakers is mistaken: Elon Musk. The Tesla owner criticized the American government's decision.

“Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs, in fact, I was surprised when they were announced. Things that inhibit freedom of exchange or distort the market are not good,” Musk said during the Viva Technology event, where he participated via video.

The announcement made by Biden in recent days, which defines a new tariff on Chinese imports, especially its electric vehicles, is an effort to support production in the US. China began to worry American automakers because it was able to sell electric vehicles at a lower price than local manufacturers.

Elon Musk was one of those who complained about the meteoric advance of China and its electric cars in Western markets.

In January, the billionaire said trade barriers were necessary or China would “demolish most of the other auto companies in the world.”

After being surpassed in sales at the end of 2023, Tesla regained the title of the world's largest electric vehicle maker from its Chinese rival BYD, based on car sales in the first quarter of this year.

This time, however, Musk was against his own statements against China in January. He said Tesla competed “very well” in the main tariff-free Chinese market.

“Tesla competes very well in the Chinese market, without tariffs and without deferential support. I’m in favor of no tariffs,” said Musk.

Autonews