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.