The European Commission said on Friday it had received enough support in a vote of EU members to impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles in the bloc's highest profile trade case,

Germany had hoped to rally more nations to vote against the tariffs, but it was always going to be a high bar, requiring 15 countries and 65% of the EU population to overturn the previous vote. As of this week, it became apparent that Germany was never going to get there.

The EU voted on Friday to boost tariffs as high as 45%, arguing that Beijing provides unfair subsidies to its carmakers. China denies that claim and has threatened its own tariffs on European dairy, brandy,

The European Union voted on Friday to impose higher tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, risking tensions with an important trading partner in an effort to protect an industry crucial to Europe’s economy.

The EU will impose a huge hike in import duties on Chinese made EVs at the start of next month. The move will see tariffs as high as 45 percent on EVs made in China. 10 of the 27 EU member states backed the plan and the move has sparked fear of a trade war.