just days after President Joe Biden significantly increased the tariffs on EVs imported from China.
"Neither Tesla nor I asked for these tariffs," Musk stated via video link at a technology conference in Paris.
This stance contrasts with Musk's warning earlier this year that without trade barriers, Chinese car manufacturers would "demolish" competitors from other countries.
The White House announced the new measures, including a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs, last week. These steps were justified as a response to unfair trade policies and aimed at protecting US jobs.
"In fact, I was surprised when they were announced. Things that inhibit freedom of exchange or distort the market are not good," Musk said on Thursday.
"Tesla competes quite well in the market in China with no tariffs and no deferential support. I’m in favour of no tariffs," he added.
President Biden has continued several tariffs on China that were initiated by former President Donald Trump, while also increasing trade pressure on Beijing. Last week, Biden vowed to prevent China from "unfairly controlling the market" for EVs and other critical goods, such as batteries, computer chips, and basic medical supplies.
China opposed the tariff hikes and announced plans for retaliatory measures. This week, China launched an anti-dumping probe into imports of a commonly used plastic from the US, EU, Taiwan, and Japan. The Ministry of Commerce's investigation into polyoxymethylene copolymer, used in electronics and cars, is seen as a signal of China's intent to retaliate in trade disputes with the US and Europe.
Additionally, China indicated it might impose tariffs of up to 25% on large-engine cars imported from the EU and the US. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU reported receiving this information from "insiders."
The European Commission, responsible for the EU's trade policies, has set a deadline of July 4th to decide on measures against Chinese-made EV imports.
Source:bbc