2/8 Electric vehicles, batteries and supply chains

Electric Vehicles (EVs), batteries and their supply chains are at the core of many current disputes and are the target of various trade defence measures. Electric cars are seen as the solution to clean and sustainable transport.

However, governments around the world are putting up barriers to global EVs supply chains. Both the US and the EU have introduced additional tariffs on Chinese EVs in the last two months.

The EU, US and other jurisdictions are using a variety of instruments, from anti-subsidy investigations to sustainability regulations (such as CBAM) to create non-tariff barriers to level the playing field on EVs and create competitive advantage for domestic manufacturers facing competition from China.

How do these protectionist measures align with the Green Transition?

There is a risk that protecting domestic producers and localising production could lead to higher costs passed on to consumers. Will such actions not block the path to zero emissions? How can manufacturers and customers make sense of this confusing situation? And how does that impact customs?

The webinar covered the following topics:

• Outlining the current state of the global EVs market and key trends looking forward;
• Highlighting the global nature of EVs supply chains;
• Explaining the measures being used by the EU and US to address competition from China;
• Demonstration how are companies working around trade barriers;
• Discussion how Western markets can find a balance between supporting domestic producers and meeting climate goals.