BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes Challenge EU Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles

The automakers argue that the tariffs harm consumers and climate goals while raising fears of a potential trade conflict with China.

BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz have filed lawsuits in EU courts against new tariffs on electric vehicle imports from China.
The EU imposed these additional tariffs in October 2024, citing concerns about Chinese state subsidies creating unfair competition.
Tariffs vary by manufacturer, with rates such as 18.8% for Geely, 7.8% for Tesla, and 20.7% for BMW, on top of an existing 10% import duty.
BMW and other automakers argue that the tariffs restrict consumer access to affordable EVs and hinder the transition to greener transportation.
German automakers are wary of retaliatory measures from China, a critical market for their vehicles, and hope for a political resolution to avoid economic fallout.