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Tesla boss Elon Musk says he opposes US tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), just days after President Joe Biden quadrupled levies on EVs imported from China.<\/b><\/p>\n
“Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs”, the multi-billionaire told a technology conference in Paris via video link.<\/p>\n
Mr Musk’s comments are at odds with a warning he made in January that Chinese car makers would “demolish” competitors from other countries if there were no trade barriers.<\/p>\n
Last week, the White House said new measures, including a 100% tariff on EVs from China<\/a>, were a response to unfair policies and intended to protect US jobs.<\/p>\n “In fact, I was surprised when they were announced. Things that inhibit freedom of exchange or distort the market are not good,” Mr Musk said on Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cTesla competes quite well in the market in China with no tariffs and no deferential support. I\u2019m in favour of no tariffs,” he added.<\/p>\n Mr Biden has maintained a number of tariffs on China that were introduced by his predecessor Donald Trump, while increasing trade pressure on Beijing.<\/p>\n Last week, Mr Biden vowed to not let China “unfairly control the market” for electric vehicles and other key goods, including batteries, computer chips and basic medical supplies.<\/p>\n China said it was opposed to the tariff hikes and would take retaliatory measures.<\/p>\n