[EU Tariffs] News & Updates

China's Commerce Ministry Opposes EU Request for Voluntary Limits on Hybrid Vehicle Exports

On September 18, 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce responded to the China-EU hybrid vehicle trade dispute, explicitly opposing the voluntary export restraints proposed by the EU and saying they seriously violate WTO rules. Previously, the EU asked China to voluntarily limit hybrid vehicle exports to Europe, otherwise it might impose higher tariffs. Data show that EU imports of hybrid vehicles from China rose from 3,800 units in October 2024 to 50,000 units in July 2026. The EU hopes to limit this share to about 15%, but it has already exceeded one third. In the same period, China's August vehicle exports reached 1.01 million units, up 65.3% year on year, of which new energy vehicle exports were 526,000 units, up about 130% year on year. Overseas markets have become an important growth support, and China-EU trade issues have also extended from pure electric vehicles to hybrids and localized production.

39817 days ago

Leapmotor Advances European Localization: B10 Pre-Production in Spain, B03X Launched in Italy at €19,900

In September 2026, Leapmotor began pre-production of the B10 compact battery-electric SUV at Stellantis's Zaragoza plant in Spain, using local content to avoid EU tariffs; at the same time, it launched the B03X small electric SUV in Italy at 19,900 euros to enter Europe's entry-level market. European BEV registrations in August reached 202,833 units, up 54.2% year on year, with a 30.5% market share. Chinese automakers' European localization paths are diverging: BYD tends to build multiple bases itself, while Leapmotor leverages Stellantis's production capacity.

40418 days ago

BYD May Join China-U.S. Summit Business Delegation; Overseas Signals Awaited

People familiar with the matter say BYD may be included in the Chinese corporate delegation for the China-US summit, but this has not yet been officially confirmed. In the European market, BEV registrations in 16 core markets reached 202,800 in August, up 54.2% year on year, with market share rising to 30.5%; cumulative registrations in the first eight months exceeded 1.67 million. Leapmotor is pre-producing the B10 at Stellantis's Zaragoza plant in Spain, using local content to circumvent EU tariffs; BYD plans to build three vehicle assembly plants and one battery plant in Europe, with trade policies and export channels adjusted in tandem.

37919 days ago

Volkswagen Exports China-Made Cars to Africa, GM May Follow as Capacity Allocation Shifts

The decline in China's light vehicle demand is driving multinational automakers to adjust their global production capacity allocation. On September 11, FAW-Volkswagen launched sales in Madagascar, becoming the first multinational automaker to export China-made vehicles to Africa. In August, BEV registrations in 16 core European markets reached 202,833 units, up 54.2% year on year, with their share rising to 30.5%. BYD plans to build three vehicle plants and one battery plant in Europe, while Leapmotor uses Stellantis's Spanish plant for localized production to avoid tariffs. The UK faces pressure from EU tariffs and rules of origin, and Nissan, McLaren, and Yokohama are simultaneously adjusting capacity and supply chains.

38419 days ago

Europe BEV Penetration Rises to 30.5%, BYD Plans Three Vehicle and One Battery Plant in Europe

In August, BEV registrations in 16 core European markets reached 202,833 units, up 54.2% year on year, with a 30.5% share; cumulative registrations in the first eight months exceeded 1.67 million units, up 33.1% year on year. BYD has made clear that in the long term it needs to build three vehicle plants and one battery plant in Europe, is starting its Hungarian plant and plans to finalize a second site by the end of the year, preferring acquisition and conversion, with Spain and France as priorities. Leapmotor is pre-producing the B10 at Stellantis's Spanish plant and has pushed down to 19,900 euros with the B03X, as Chinese automakers advance localized production while jockeying over tariff rules in parallel.

33519 days ago

Thailand Plans About 30% Excise Tax on Imported EVs, Sets Three-Tier Rates

Thailand's finance minister said Thailand is finalizing an excise tax of about 30% on fully imported electric vehicles, compared with the current rate of about 10%. The new plan sets three excise tax tiers: fully imported vehicles at the highest rate, locally produced vehicles at the lowest, and locally assembled vehicles in the middle. Constrained by free trade agreements, Thailand cannot directly raise tariffs, so it is turning to excise taxes to encourage local investment and supply chain localization. Currently, nine electric vehicle manufacturers produce in Thailand, and some Chinese and European automakers plan to invest in Thailand to enjoy lower tax rates. The final rates are expected to be decided this month.

43419 days ago

Renault-Geely Expand Brazil Investment as Maserati Weighs Huawei, JAC Tie-Up

In September 2025, Renault and Geely announced an additional EUR 319 million investment in Brazil through a joint venture, with their total investment in Brazil from 2025 to 2027 reaching EUR 899 million, giving Geely access to Renault's existing plants and dealer network. In the same period, reports said Maserati planned to cooperate with Huawei and JAC to develop two electric vehicles, adopting an SKD model with body-in-white from Hefei and assembly in Italy; the brand's global shipments in 2025 were less than 8,000 units, with an adjusted operating loss of EUR 198 million. Both paths point to a combination of technology export and localized production capacity.

31420 days ago

BYD Expands Own Fleet to 18 Ships as Overseas Strategy Shifts to Capacity and Logistics

According to maritime media reports, BYD has ordered an additional 10 9,200 CEU car carriers, to be built by China Merchants Industry, with delivery planned for 2027 to 2029. If confirmed, its owned Ro-Ro fleet will increase from 8 to 18 vessels, with total capacity exceeding 130,000 CEU and annual export shipping capacity possibly reaching 2.5 million vehicles. In August 2025, BYD exported 184,000 passenger vehicles, up 131% year-on-year; from January to August, cumulative exports reached 1.127 million vehicles. It also faces an additional 17% EU tariff and the challenge of overseas localization. The order has not yet been officially confirmed.

46524 days ago

Chinese Automakers' European Factory Map Takes Shape: Four Localization Pathways

Chinese automakers are accelerating local production in Europe through four pathways: greenfield investment, controlled European assets, joint ventures, and contract manufacturing. Their footprint now spans Hungary, Sweden, Belgium, the UK, Spain, Austria, and Slovakia. In H1 2026, Chinese brand registrations reached 792,000 units, capturing nearly 11% of the European market.

58450 days ago

China's PV Exports Hit Record 877K Units in June

China exported 877,000 passenger vehicles in June, up 82.3% YoY and 11.5% MoM, representing 37% of manufacturer sales. NEVs accounted for 56.9% of exports, with self-owned brands shipping 763,000 units, up 86% YoY.

33286 days ago

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