China is the undisputed global powerhouse of the EV industry, leading both in domestic sales and overall production. As the global EV market has expanded, in 2024 over 17 million units were sold, Chinese manufacturers have aggressively pursued international opportunities, offering affordable vehicles that often undercut local competitors.

However, market access has varied significantly across regions. The US and Canada are the only markets where Chinese-made EVs have no presence. The US has taken a firm stance against Chinese EVs, imposing a 100% tariff in 2024, and more recently enacting laws banning Chinese technology in EVs on US roads. Given its deep economic ties with the US, Canada followed suit with identical tariffs.

Europe, by contrast, has been more open to Chinese EVs but remains cautious about protecting its domestic automotive industry. In 2024, following an anti-subsidy investigation, the EU introduced variable BEV import tariffs on specific Chinese automakers of up to an additional 35.3%.

Meanwhile, in countries without a strong domestic auto industry, Chinese EVs have rapidly gained market share. This is especially evident in neighbouring Asian countries and in South & Central America, where Chinese manufacturers are expanding aggressively by beginning to buildout production capacity and capitalising on the demand for affordable electric vehicles.

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This data is taken from our EV Sales Quarterly Outlook. To find out more, and to request a demo of the report, click here.