The tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles will quadruple, from 25 percent to 100 percent.
Chinese solar cells, which make up solar panels, will see their duties double from 25 percent to 50 percent.
The EV tariffs are largely symbolic, as the existing tariffs have largely kept Chinese imports out. They come a few months after President Biden in February ordered a probe of potential national security risks associated with Chinese-made vehicles with internet connectivity, which includes EVs.
Nevertheless, the increases generally demonstrate a Biden administration effort to show support for U.S. manufacturing — at a time where his push toward vehicle electrification has come under scrutiny from unions, as well as Republicans.
The solar cell tariffs, were first imposed by then-President Trump in 2018, with Biden extending them again in 2022. Trump has himself vowed to impose an aggressive round of tariffs on Chinese imports if he returns to the White House next year, including a 100 percent duty on all vehicles manufactured by Chinese manufacturers in Mexico.
Outside of this effort, the administration has largely sought to bolster the adoption of EVs and renewable energy, including through tax credits passed in 2022 as well as vehicle emission regulations.
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
