Starting in November, the electric cars that China exports to Europe The new and definitive tariffs will be applied, up to more than 45%. A protectionist measure for the European industry, but which aims to have an impact on consumers as it will result in most expensive carsat least at first.
The first response from Chinese brands has been practical: In September it sent more than 60,000 electric cars to Europea record figure only surpassed by that of October last year. In the medium and long term, the recipe is to manufacture in the Old Continent. WORLD of MGthey are already at it.
“Tariffs are not fair for European consumers”
In September, China exported a total of 60,517 electric cars to almost 30 countries in the European trading bloc: 61% more than last year. It is the second historical record for shipments to Europe: the previous peak was 67,455 zero-emission models and occurred precisely when the investigation into Chinese subsidies was announced, which has led to higher tariffs. A movement that, clearly, aims to save the new taxes.
With increasing weight in the market, Chinese firms will face these rates with various strategies. For example manufacture in Europe or eliminate intermediaries. It is precisely what will take BYDone of the main manufacturers of electric cars that maintains its objective of being one of the reference brands in this segment in Europe.
More expensive electric cars. The tariffs that Europe will impose on BYD in a few days are not the highest: 17% (27% in total if the current 10% are added). Despite this, it already warns: its cars will increase in price, which will directly affect buyers.
“In the end, the consumer is responsible. The tariff is not fair for European consumers, because limits their access to electric cars”. This was stated by Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD and interviewed by Automotive News Europe at the Paris Motor Show.
In Li’s opinion, these new rates are a “short-term challenge” for Chinese brands. Even for BYD, which enjoys a global market share of 23% when it comes to electric vehicles.
Manufacture in Europe. The solution for BYD will be to build factories in Europe so as not to have to export its models. For now, with a plant in Hungary that will be operational in 2026. “There are no delays,” he assures. There they will assemble mainly electrical ones. They do not rule out more factories, nor do they ally with European manufacturers as DR Automobiles does, which sends the cars in kits to be assembled here.
Despite these tariffs, the Chinese giant maintains its goal of become one of the five main pillars of electric cars in Europe: “BYD is the number one brand in the electric market in the world, why not aspire to be at the top level in Europe?” Among its goals is to double, or even triple, brand dealerships in the Old Continent.
Although he admits that it won’t be easy. “The European consumer is more conservative. It is a market in which there is a lot of confusion.” By this he refers to the thermal blackout for 2035, which is not so clear: the European automobile industry has requested that the emissions limits be delayed again because European brands will not be able to comply with them.
MG has also opted for factories in Europe. Today, BYD markets seven cars in Europe, all electric. The most affordable, the BYD Dolphin: a compact that starts at 35,690 euros. Although there are more affordable Chinese: the MG4 does the same at 31,690 euros, or 17,480 euros with all the discounts applied including the MOVES III, which they advance in the purchase.
MG has fully entered Europe: in the first half of last year It was the second brand that grew the most in the Old Continentsurpassing brands such as Mini, Cupra or Jeep in sales. Largely thanks to its MG4, which grew almost 130%. But it is precisely among the Chinese brands that the highest tariffs will be imposed: SAIC, to which it belongs, 35.3% will be applied (45.3% in total).
From what BYD points out, it follows that MG electric cars, among the most affordable for what they offer, will surely be more expensive. At least in the first phase of the new tariffs, because the former British company’s strategy is identical to that of BYD: manufacturing in Europe. It has already confirmed a total of two factories, with the second in Türkiye that will assemble its models from 2026.
It must also be taken into account that Europe continues negotiating with China “to explore an alternative solution.” Protectionism, but trying to avoid a trade war.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
