EU Considers Safeguards on Chinese Hybrids
The European Union is considering temporary trade safeguard measures on Chinese hybrid vehicles, managing imports through quotas and imposing additional tariffs on vehicles exceeding those quotas, with implementation possible as soon as December, according to overseas media reports on October 10. Specific quota levels, tariff rates and implementation methods have not been determined.
EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič said the two sides have reached a preliminary understanding on hybrid vehicle trade, under which China's hybrid exports to Europe over the next four years could fall by more than half compared with previous forecast scenarios.
Existing Tariffs on Chinese-Built EVs
On October 30, 2024, the European Union formally imposed five-year countervailing duties on Chinese-made pure electric vehicles, adding tariffs of 7.8% to 35.3% on top of the existing 10% import duty. BYD applies a 17% additional rate, Geely 18.8% and SAIC Group 35.3%.
According to a study published by an overseas institution in July of this year, Chinese-made pure electric vehicles held a 22% share of the EU pure EV market at their 2024 peak, falling to 17% in the first quarter of 2026.
Chinese Brands' Rising Hybrid Market Share
Chinese brands' share of Europe's plug-in hybrid market rose from 2% in 2024 to 25% in the first half of 2026, a 23 percentage point increase over two years, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). Their share of the ordinary hybrid market rose from 2% to 14% over the same period.