Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he opposes U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles after President Joe Biden quadrupled fees on such vehicles imported from China.
“Neither Tesla and I did not ask for these tariffs,” the multi-billionaire said at a technology conference in Paris via video link.
Musk’s comments contradict a warning he made in January that Chinese automakers would “destroy” competitors from other countries , unless there are trade barriers.
Last week, the White House said the new measures, including a 100 percent tariff on electric vehicles from China, are a response to unfair policies and are aimed at protecting US jobs .
“Actually, I was surprised when they were announced. Things that impede free exchange or distort the market are not good,” Musk said on Thursday. “Tesla competes quite well in the Chinese market without tariffs and deferential support. "I'm for no tariffs," he added.
Biden has maintained a series of tariffs on China that were imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump, while increasing trade pressure on Beijing.
Last week Biden has vowed to stop China from "unfairly controlling the market" for electric vehicles and other key products, including batteries, computer chips and essential medical supplies.
China has said it opposes higher tariffs and will retaliate.
China this week launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of widely used plastics from the US, EU, Taiwan and Japan.
The Commerce Department said it will investigate imports of polyoxymethylene copolymer, which is used in electronics. and cars, was seen as a signal that China would hit back in its trade disputes with the US and Europe.
Also this week, China signaled it could impose tariffs of up to 25% on high-powered cars engines imported from the EU and the US.
The EU's China Chamber of Commerce said it had been told of the potential move by so-called "insiders."
The European Commission (EC), which oversees EU trade policy, has set a July 4 deadline to decide whether to introduce measures against imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles.
