Major economies representing 58% of the world’s GDP have adopted at least one measure to restrict the import of clean energy technologies, many targeting Chinese goods, according to data published by the Oxford Climate Policy Monitor. In contrast, a large number of small economies outside China, accounting for about 8% of world GDP, are liberalising imports of EVs, batteries, along with wind and solar equipment, creating a de facto free trade area for clean tech.
Analysis by the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford found that restrictions are making the transition slower and more expensive, but they may also be needed to balance effective climate policy with industrial development and economic security. “Openness and protection can be combined, rather than traded off wholesale,” it said. Large economies could pursue more selective trade restrictions instead of trying to build entirely self-sufficient industries, while smaller countries could specialise in particular stages of manufacturing. “Our findings show that many countries have begun to implement this strategy,” said Claas Mertens, the brief’s co-author.
— Chloé Farand
