Without Chinese EV imports, emissions targets everywhere will...

Without Chinese EV imports, emissions targets everywhere will fall even further behind. Climate hawks and free trade hawks will resist tariffs and import bans on Chinese EVs. Car makers also know trade wars are a two-edged sword, especially in places like Germany which is such a big exporter. This is a dance and the partners know the steps very well. The committees with their protectionist threats are always part of the orchestra.

Even if a lose-lose trade war breaks out (which nobody wants), the same technological forces propelling Chinese battery makers will also make European EVs cheaper than ICE cars in a year or two. There doesn't seem to be any way around it, lithium demand will rise.