Markus Buchheit, AfD politician for European affairs and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Committee on International Trade (INTA), stated:
“In principle, the agreement on a free trade deal between the European Union and Australia is to be welcomed, as it has the potential to reduce trade barriers and provide economic stimulus. However, the specific design of the agreement reveals considerable shortcomings, particularly with regard to the interests of German industry.
The planned reduction of Australia’s Luxury Tax exclusively for electric vehicles is a detached from reality and one-sided measure. German premium manufacturers in particular, which have traditionally held a strong position on the Australian market, are thereby placed at a disadvantage and subjected to ideologically motivated restrictions. Against the background of German vehicle exports to Australia having already fallen by 20 percent last year, it is unclear how these conditions are supposed to create any positive momentum.
At the same time, Germany’s supplier industry will face additional challenges as a result of full tariff-free access for Australian products, without any balanced reconciliation of interests being apparent.
A free trade agreement must not result in certain technologies or types of propulsion being politically favoured or disadvantaged. Competitive neutrality and fair market conditions must remain at the centre.”
