Marketplace All-in-One China’s biggest EV maker BYD speaks out over tariffs
Jun 17, 2025
BYD, China's top electric vehicle maker, is cutting prices to establish its dominance at home while making an international push. With impressive sales outpacing Tesla, concerns are mounting among established European manufacturers. The podcast also dives into the implications of tariffs, particularly how Trump's 10% tariff on EU goods threatens Spain's Iberian ham industry. Interviews reveal the complexities faced by Spanish producers, all while the country navigates economic growth amidst trade negotiations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
BYD's Rapid Market Growth
- BYD grew rapidly by starting as a battery maker before expanding heavily into cars and international markets.
- Last year, BYD sold more electric cars worldwide than Tesla, unsettling established manufacturers.
Trade Tariffs Impact EV Sales
- The US imposes heavy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, making imports noncompetitive there.
- The EU applies significant but lower tariffs, citing unfair Chinese subsidies to level the playing field.
Localize Manufacturing Strategy
- BYD pursues localization, building factories in Hungary and Turkey to avoid tariffs.
- It believes producing where the market is located is a key strategy to thrive globally.