On the current chessboard of international politics and economy, the transformation of energy power has become an important focus of competition among countries. Especially in the field of new energy, the competition for the electric vehicle market is becoming more and more fierce. In this context, the adjustment of the subsidy policy for electric vehicles in the United States has attracted widespread attention from the international community, not only because the policy affects the layout of the global new energy vehicle industry chain, but also because of its implied geopolitical considerations and protectionist tendencies. A new rule recently announced in the United States** aims to provide a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 to EV buyers, specifying the specific conditions under which EVs can receive subsidies. On the one hand, the move is aimed at promoting the development of the domestic electric vehicle market, and on the other hand, it is hoped to reduce dependence on specific countries, especially China. The rule, which will come into force in 2024, specifies that the battery components of subsidized electric vehicles must not contain parts manufactured or assembled by a "foreign entity of concern". "Foreign entities of concern" primarily include companies from countries such as North Korea, China, Russia, and Iran. By 2025, this restriction will be further extended to critical minerals needed for electric vehicles.
In the global industrial chain, China occupies an important position in the manufacture of electric vehicle components, especially batteries. This move by the United States is undoubtedly a powerful blow to China's dominant position in the global electric vehicle industry chain, and it also reflects the strategic layout of the United States in geopolitics. However, the policy also has implications for other stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad. U.S. companies have established deep cooperative relations with Chinese companies for a long time, forming complementarity on the first chain. An abrupt separation of these ties would not only raise the cost of production for U.S. companies, but could also hurt their global competitiveness. In the United States, there are still a large number of fossil fuel-based models, and the penetration rate of new energy vehicles is not high. The new regulations aim to increase the market share of electric vehicles, but strict conditions and thresholds may actually hinder this process. In addition, the energy transition of the U.S. automotive industry is critical to meeting internationally committed energy conservation and emission reduction targets, and the new regulations could adversely affect the achievement of this goal. In the new U.S. regulations, restrictions on electric vehicles containing Chinese-made battery modules will also affect automakers in countries such as the European Union and Japan.
The refusal of the United States to subsidize electric vehicles in these countries has not only sparked discontent in the European Union, but also triggered a rethinking of American policy. In today's interdependent international industrial chain, the United States' move obviously poses a threat to its allies. In the face of the unilateral actions of the United States, the EU has shown a tough attitude. According to the German weekly "Star", the European Union has harshly criticized the policy of the United States and launched a Spanish** plan to support the production of electric vehicle batteries, which has formed a-for-tat confrontation with the actions of the United States. While demonstrating its dissatisfaction, the EU's move also demonstrates its determination to seek autonomy and voice in the international arena. This US policy has aroused widespread discussion in the international community, not only because of its direct attack on China, but also because it has touched the sensitive nerves of global multilateral economic cooperation. In the era of globalization, the economies of all countries are interdependent, and unilateral and protectionist actions will not only harm the interests of other countries, but may also lead to the adverse current of global economic cooperation, hindering fair competition and the healthy development of the global economy.
At the end of the day, we must recognize that promoting the popularization of new energy and the prosperity of the electric vehicle industry on a global scale is a task that requires international cooperation and joint efforts. U.S. policies need to balance domestic industrial protection with international cooperation, and adopt a more inclusive and open stance to ensure that national interests are safeguarded in the competition for the new energy transition, and international cooperation and the healthy development of the global economy are promoted. In this process, constructive dialogue and multilateral cooperation mechanisms have become particularly important. This is not only to ensure the stable and effective operation of the global ** chain, but also to promote the common goal of global response to climate change and environmental protection. As one of the most influential countries in the world, the United States' decision-making will have a profound impact on international cooperation and global governance. Therefore, when formulating relevant policies, the United States should be thoughtful, take into account the common interests of the world, and work with other countries to build a more fair and open international new energy market and contribute to the development of the global economy. In the final analysis, in the face of global challenges and opportunities, the international community needs to unite and cooperate to form a mutually beneficial and win-win pattern.
The development path of new energy should not be hindered by narrow national interests, but should be the key to unlocking a global green future. The United States and other countries should work to create a fair and equitable market environment that stimulates innovation and advances in new energy technologies to leave a clean and beautiful planet for future generations. Such a future is our common vision and pursuit.