China has emerged as the world’s largest EV exporter, shipping over 5 million units annually by 2030, but faces mounting trade barriers in the EU and U.S. Western governments are responding with tariffs, anti-subsidy probes, and local supply chain mandates. This report analyzes the policy risks, competitive responses by Western OEMs, and the resulting supply chain realignments shaping global EV trade flows between 2025–2030.
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China’s EV exports are projected to grow from 1.8M units in 2024 to nearly 5M units annually by 2030. Europe remains the top destination with over 50% share, while Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia emerge as secondary growth markets.

The EU’s proposed 10–20% anti-subsidy tariffs could raise EV prices in Europe by 8–12% by 2030. In contrast, U.S. IRA rules fully exclude Chinese EVs from subsidies, effectively pricing them out of the U.S. market.

Trade barriers are forcing diversification of EV supply chains. By 2030, China’s share of global EV supply chains is projected to fall from 70% to ~55%, with India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia gaining a combined 15% share.

Western OEMs are increasing investments in localized production, joint ventures, and battery partnerships to reduce reliance on Chinese imports and comply with trade rules.

The imposition of tariffs raises EV costsfor European consumers. By 2030, EU EV adoption could be 5–7% lower thanbaseline if tariffs remain at 20%. Germany and France are the most affected dueto high reliance on Chinese imports, while Italy and Spain diversify sourcingfaster.
Battery cell and component sourcing remainsChina-dominated, but new plants in Hungary, Poland, and Mexico are capturing~10% share by 2030. Restrictions on Chinese graphite and lithium inputs couldadd $15–20/kWh to EU pack costs.
India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia attractsignificant OEM investment to diversify supply chains. By 2030, these regionscould account for ~15% of EV exports to the West, reducing China’s dominance.
Even under tariffs, Chinese EVs maintain a15–20% cost advantage due to economies of scale, integrated supply chains, andstate subsidies. However, stricter trade rules and logistics costs could erodemargins by 5–7% by 2030.
Joint ventures between Chinese and Western OEMs face political scrutiny. Examples include potential reviews of BYD–Teslacollaborations in Europe and CATL supply deals. JV risks include blockedapprovals, stranded Capex, and IP exposure.
Two scenarios dominate outlook: (a)Escalation – tariffs expand to 25–30%, further reducing EU adoption andsparking WTO disputes. (b) Relaxation – post-2030 gradual rollback of tariffsif Chinese OEMs localize production in Europe. Base case assumes moderatedtariffs but permanent partial restrictions.
• China’s EV exports projected to hit 5M units annually by 2030.
• EU investigating anti-subsidy tariffs of 10–20% on Chinese EV imports.
• U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) effectively excludes Chinese OEMs from subsidies.
• Western OEMs (VW, Stellantis, Tesla EU) increasing localization of battery/assembly plants.
• Global battery supply chain diversification: India, Mexico, Southeast Asia gaining share.
• Trade barriers could raise EU EV prices by 8–12% by 2030.