CHINA hit back on Tuesday at the “protectionist” European Union as the bloc imposed tariffs on imports of Chinese electric cars.

The duties, which came into effect today, came after talks between Brussels and Beijing failed to find an amicable solution.

China produces about two-thirds of the world’s electric vehicles (EVs), and state subsidies for green industries mean they are cheaper than those produced elsewhere. The EU says this disadvantages the domestic EV market, though critics say the tariffs will slow emissions reduction efforts across Europe.

European Commission executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said the EU was “standing up for fair market practices and for the European industrial base.”

But China’s Commerce Ministry slammed the measures as unfair.

“China does not agree with it and will not accept the ruling,” the ministry said. “China will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

The EU’s duties have run into opposition in Germany, which is home to major car makers vulnerable to retaliatory measures as they export to China.

The head of Germany’s auto industry association VDA Hildegard Muller said the imposition of the tariffs is “a setback for free global trade and so for prosperity, the preservation of jobs and Europe's growth.”