President Biden Quadruples Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

President Biden's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) has sparked concerns over potential national security threats posed by internet-connected vehicles made in China. The move, meant to prevent China from undercutting U.S. automakers with cheaper EVs, has garnered mixed reactions from political leaders within the president's own party.

Democrat's Urge to Ban Chinese EVs

Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and other Democrats have urged the president to consider banning Chinese EVs entirely over fears that these vehicles, as consumer devices, could potentially pose a threat to national security through hacking or spying. Brown, whose state of Ohio is a major manufacturing hub for U.S. automakers, emphasized the need to address the risks associated with Chinese-made connected vehicles and smart vehicle technology, stressing that they could transmit Americans' personal data and information to the Chinese Communist Party.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, expressed similar concerns, pointing out that allowing thousands of Chinese-made connected vehicles into the country could provide China with significant data, including information on U.S. military bases, key infrastructure facilities, and even individual leaders. Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, highlighted the potential national security implications and the lack of a comprehensive vetting process for imported Chinese cars, including those produced in Mexico.

Republican Support for Tariff Increases

Several Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have also supported tariff increases on Chinese-made electric vehicles, aligning with the administration's efforts to prevent China from undermining U.S. companies and threatening union manufacturing jobs.

President Biden announced a quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese EVs, increasing the current tariff rate of 25% to 100%. This initiative aims to address concerns about China flooding western markets with inexpensive electric vehicles, which could potentially undercut U.S. companies. Chinese automakers, backed by government support and cost advantages, could offer vehicles substantially cheaper than American EVs, but the new tariffs seek to mitigate this impact.