Automarkt: Das könnten Zölle auf chinesische Hybridautos bewirken

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is currently in Beijing, engaging in talks where the potential use of tariffs on Chinese hybrid cars is considered. However, the extent of impact such a tool could have is uncertain. Deloitte, a consulting firm, analyzed plug-in hybrids in Germany and found that the effect could be significant.

As an example, Deloitte used the tariffs imposed on pure electric cars from China in 2024, which led to a direct drop in their sales in major European markets. If similar tariffs were imposed on plug-in hybrids, their prices would, on average, increase by around 10 percent, provided additional costs are passed on to customers. This would likely reduce the overall demand for plug-in hybrids in Germany by approximately 12 percent, according to Deloitte's analysis.

While Deloitte does not provide specific figures for Chinese manufacturers, it is logical that the impact would be strongest on them due to their significant presence in this segment. Deloitte's head of the automotive sector, Harald Proff, however, doubts that tariffs would automatically be passed on. "More likely, manufacturers would initially forgo margins," he explains.

"For many Chinese providers, the European market holds a high strategic importance right now, so revenue gains from market share may be more important than short-term profitability." The auto-hybrid conflict in Beijing is just one part of the wider trade talks. However, agreement on hybrids is seen as a potential step towards de-escalation.

Restrictions on other countries are also on the table. According to diplomats, China has so far rejected demands to voluntarily limit its rapidly growing exports of hybrid cars. Therefore, this threat might only be implemented as a temporary protective measure, limiting Chinese hybrid imports through import quotas and high tariffs on overage deliveries.

It could only be introduced if it was applied to other trade partners like Japan, South Korea, and the UK as well. The EU's aim is to limit its generally unmanageable trade deficit with China, estimated at around one billion euros daily, by reducing China's market share in EU hybrids to about 15 percent.