BMW may seek to import China-built Mini electric vehicles into the European Union under a minimum price arrangement instead of paying additional tariffs, according to a report by German business daily Handelsblatt citing people familiar with the matter.
The move would affect the Mini Aceman and Mini Cooper electric models produced in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motor. Under current rules, these vehicles face a 20.7% surcharge on top of the EU’s standard 10% import duty on cars.
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The reported discussions follow a precedent set by the Volkswagen Group’s Cupra Tavascan, for which tariffs may be replaced by minimum import prices. Two individuals familiar with the negotiations told Handelsblatt that talks between BMW and the European Commission are “good and already very advanced,” with both sides showing “interest in a resolution.” BMW declined to comment publicly on the report.
The European Commission established guidelines in January for such arrangements, allowing manufacturers to avoid tariffs by committing to minimum prices designed to offset the effects of alleged subsidies. However, the process can be complex. For the Cupra Tavascan, importer Seat must meet conditions including compliance with minimum prices, fixed annual quotas, formal export requirements and detailed reporting obligations, as well as allowing inspections.
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Any agreement must satisfy the Commission that the pricing commitment is sufficient to “eliminating the harmful effects of subsidisation” on a case-by-case basis. As of mid-February, Volkswagen’s Seat brand was the only manufacturer to have formally submitted such a commitment offer.
Since late 2024, the EU has imposed additional duties on electric vehicles made in China by several manufacturers, including BYD, Geely and SAIC. The surcharges range from 7.8% to 35.3%, in addition to the base 10% tariff. The measures apply to battery-electric vehicles and range-extended electric vehicles, while other hybrid models, including plug-in hybrids, are exempt — a factor that has contributed to increased imports of those vehicles from China.
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European automakers with production in China are also affected. Mercedes-Benz works with Geely on the Smart brand, while BMW, among others, filed a legal challenge against the tariffs at the European Court of Justice in January 2025.
