The head of Italian auto suppliers lobby Anfia has urged the European Union to impose 80% tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles and parts above a certain threshold to safeguard Europe’s ​car industry.

Anfia President Roberto Vavassori told Reuters that Chinese imports to the European Union ‌should be tariff-free up to 8% of annual European vehicle registrations, but with an 80% tariff on imports above that limit.

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It should cover both vehicles and components, he said, as parts account for roughly 80% of a vehicle’s value.

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Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showed that the share of Chinese-branded cars sold ​in the EU rose to top 9% in the first half of this year.

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The EU imposes additional duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles on top of its standard 10% car import tariff, with the combined tariff burden ranging from roughly 18% to 45% depending ​on the manufacturer. The ​measures, introduced in 2024, ⁠are due to remain in force for five years.

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Vavassori called into question Chinese carmakers’ long-term commitment to building supply chains in ⁠Europe.

Automakers such ​as BYD and Chery are moving production to Europe, but ​have little interest in local sourcing, he said.

Their factories in Europe “are screwdriver factories,” Vavassori said, predicting Chinese manufacturers will keep importing ​most components from China or low-cost countries close to Europe.

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