A wave of tariff hikes imposed by major economies last year is beginning to reshape the global landscape of electric vehicle (EV) trade. A review of China's EV export data for the first quarter of 2025 shows a notable overall decline alongside some shifts in destination markets.

In recent months, the Trump administration has rolled out a number of trade actions, either China-specific or applying to all countries, which have increased the tariff rates applied to goods imported from China. Here is a breakdown of U.S. tariff policy, with an emphasis on specific items of interest.

Last month, we wrote about a lawsuit against some of the Trump administration's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which targeted the tariffs imposed in February and March on Chinese imports. Since then, lawsuits have proliferated against these tariffs and the "reciprocal"

Amidst the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, China is reportedly offering a bit of relief for select U.S. imports from its 125% tariffs. Beijing is actively engaging with the business community to avoid supply chain disruptions, with reports suggesting that exemptions have been implemented for chips, pharmaceuticals

Today, in what is likely the final episode of this week's tariff war escalation, Beijing announced the new rate for U.S. goods, matching the 125% imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese goods under the "reciprocal tariffs."

In the latest round of the trade war, China has retaliated against the U.S. 84% tariff rate with its own 84% tariff, and has made a few new sanctions announcements as well.

In response to the Trump administration's latest wave of tariffs, Beijing is mobilizing a comprehensive response that spans government statements, diplomatic outreach to American businesses, and a focus on domestic resilience.