Mercedes calls EU's extra duties on Chinese EVs 'a mistake'

German premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz has called the European Union's decision to impose extra duties on China-made electric vehicles "a mistake".

The statement came shortly after a sufficient number of EU member states voted late last week to impose additional tariffs of up to 35.3 percent, on top of an existing 10 percent levy, on EVs made in China.

"Imposing those countervailing duties as intended by the European Commission is a mistake that can lead to far-reaching negative consequences," said Mercedes-Benz.

The German carmaker said free trade and fair competition ensure prosperity, growth, and innovation, and such countervailing duties impair the competitiveness of an industry in the long term.

Mercedes-Benz calls for the European Union and China to remain engaged in dialogue to reach a negotiated solution that is of mutual interest.

"We are convinced that there can be such a solution...The development of such a solution takes time; we therefore call for a postponement of the enforcement of the measures decided by the European Commission," it said.