The Automotive Update: Could minimum import prices shake up EU BEV tariffs?
22 January 2026
Do minimum import prices signal the end of EU tariffs for automotive imports? What is the potential impact on regional competition? Plus, which new small models are making waves in the European battery-electric vehicle (BEV) market? Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker investigates in The Automotive Update podcast.
In this week’s episode, the EU and China appear to have made a breakthrough in trade negotiations. But what exactly are the pieces of this complex jigsaw? Could it shake up tariffs on BEVs entering the bloc? Also, a wider look at the European EV market, featuring the rise of two all-electric vehicles.
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New alternative for Chinese BEV import tariffs
The European Commission has published guidance for companies looking to export BEVs made in China into the EU. Manufacturers can make an ‘undertaking offer’ including a limit on the price of their vehicles, known as a minimum import price.
The document states that: ‘the undertaking offer must be adequate to eliminate the injurious effects of the subsidies and provide equivalent effect to duties; be practicable; mitigate the risk of cross-compensation; and be in accordance with general policy considerations.’
In October 2024, the EU confirmed countervailing duties of up to 35.3% on BEVs made in China. Rates were set according to the findings of an investigation into state subsidisation. These tariffs were added on top of the standard 10% import duty.
The latest set of guidelines looks to offer an WTO-compatible alternative via a minimum import price. The guidelines state this must be high enough to offset any detrimental impact from subsidisation. They must also be set for each model and configuration option.
Additionally, risks including cross-compensation and broad product ranges have been highlighted as potential disruptors which could undermine undertakings. Complex sales channels will not help any undertaking.
Offers must also be technically feasible. This means the Commission should be able to verify that the exporter continues to be compliant with the undertaking. Future investments in the EU BEV-related industries will also be considered within the offer.
New models rise in European BEV standings
The latest data from EV Volumes revealed that two small all-electric models have made waves in the European EV market.
Firstly, combined deliveries of the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 topped Europe’s BEV market in November. The small BEVs have built on a consistently strong year. They took third in the cumulative BEV standings from January to November.
The second BEV to turn heads in November was a relative newcomer. The BYD Dolphin Surf made its maiden top-10 appearance in the month. With this strong performance, the hatchback has established itself as a major small BEV contender.
Other small BEVs featured in the cumulative rankings moved up the order between January and November. The Kia EV3 entered the top 10 for the first time in ninth. The Volvo EX30 and Citroën ë-C3 joined the top 20 best-selling BEV list in Europe in the same time frame.
