Dirk Panter said higher levies could push Chinese automakers toward partnerships with European manufacturers such as Volkswagen as the carmaker weighs factory closures in Germany.
Saxony economy minister Dirk Panter said the European Union should consider higher tariffs on cars made in China to increase pressure on Chinese automakers to partner with European manufacturers such as Volkswagen. In comments to Bild, Panter argued that greater trade pressure could strengthen Europe’s negotiating position at a time when Volkswagen is weighing options to address strain on its German manufacturing footprint. The remarks come after Volkswagen threatened to close four German factories in the coming years if no other solution is found, including the all-electric Zwickau plant in Saxony. Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has said the group could produce Chinese-developed models in Europe and has also raised the possibility of partnerships with Chinese carmakers. Panter said a joint venture in Saxony that helped avoid European tariffs could become a bargaining chip in talks. He also said Chinese manufacturers such as BYD are unlikely to be shut out of Europe entirely, adding that access to the European market should come with responsibility for value creation and jobs in Europe. The debate underscores how tariffs can be used not only as a trade barrier but also as leverage to encourage local production and industrial partnerships.