BMW in Talks With EU on Tariff Exemption for "Made-in-China" Minis

BMW and the European Commission are in talks over a possible minimum pricing model that could replace EU tariffs on the German carmaker’s Chinese-made Mini electric vehicles, Germany’s Handelsblatt business daily reported. Reuters also reported on the matter.

The tariff rate for BMW — which manufactures the electric Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman in China — is 20.7%. (Photo: MINI Facebook)

The discussions follow an agreement between Brussels and Volkswagen earlier in February, under which the group’s SEAT/Cupra brand secured a tariff exemption for its all-electric Tavascan SUV coupe after months of negotiations.

Similar arrangements could follow, with Chinese carmakers also reportedly seeking exemptions for their EU-bound electric vehicles, Philip Blenkinsop, Rachel More, and Christina Amann reported for Reuters.

BMW and Brussels are negotiating a solution involving a minimum import price, Handelsblatt reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.

BMW is separately challenging the EU tariffs in court alongside other carmakers. The EU imposed tariffs on China-made electric vehicles at the end of October 2024 following an anti-subsidy investigation.

The tariff rate for BMW — which manufactures the electric Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman in China — is 20.7%.