EU trade chair says South Africa needs more time to adapt to carbon border tax and EV rules

The chair of the European Parliament's trade committee, Bernd Lange, said South African automakers and steel producers should get extra time to comply with EU climate measures including the CBAM carbon border levy and the 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars. Lange visited South Africa and noted that the country's coal-heavy electricity grid makes compliance with the indirect emissions phase of CBAM particularly difficult for local manufacturers. Lange also suggested South Africa consider tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to counter what he called illegal subsidies, and argued that Sasol should be given flexibility on green aviation fuel rules. He stressed that any extensions must come with a clear end date and timeline. The EU has pledged 12 billion euros under its Global Gateway initiative to help South Africa transition from coal to renewables.