Finance
BMW in talks with EU on tariff exemption for 'Made in China' Minis, Handelsblatt reports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Tags:European Union
Quick Summary
BMW and the EU are discussing a minimum import price that could replace tariffs on China-made Mini Cooper and Aceman EVs. A similar deal freed VW’s Cupra Tavascan from duties on Feb 10, 2026; BMW’s current rate is 20.7%.
BMW, EU explore minimum pricing to waive tariffs on China-made Minis
EU Tariff Alternatives for China-Made EVs
BERLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - BMW and the European Commission are in talks about a possible minimum pricing model that could replace EU tariffs on the German carmaker's Chinese-made Mini electric vehicles, Germany's Handelsblatt business daily reported on Tuesday.
Volkswagen–Cupra precedent
This follows an agreement struck between Brussels and Volkswagen earlier in February, under which the group's SEAT/Cupra brand secured a tariff exemption for its all-electric Tavascan SUV coupe following months of discussions.
Chinese carmakers eye exemptions
Similar deals could follow, with Chinese carmakers also thought to be eyeing exemptions for their EU-bound EVs.
BMW–Commission negotiations on pricing
BMW and Brussels are negotiating a solution involving a minimum import price, Handelsblatt reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.
No comment from BMW
A BMW spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
Commission response pending
The European Commission had no immediate comment.
BMW’s legal challenge to tariffs
BMW is separately challenging the EU tariffs in a legal case with other carmakers.
Background: EU EV tariffs timeline
The EU imposed tariffs on China-made EVs at the end of October 2024 after an anti-subsidy investigation. The rate for BMW, which manufactures the electric Mini Cooper and electric Mini Aceman in China, is 20.7%.
Additional reporting credits
(Additional reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in BrusselsReporting by Rachel More and Christina AmannEditing by Madeline Chambers)
Key Takeaways
- •BMW is in talks with the European Commission on a minimum import price for China-made Mini EVs.
- •A price floor could replace current EU countervailing duties on BMW’s Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman.
- •Volkswagen’s Cupra Tavascan won an EU tariff exemption via a similar price-undertaking on Feb 10, 2026.
- •BMW’s applicable EU tariff rate on China-made EVs is 20.7% following the 2024 anti-subsidy probe.
- •BMW and other automakers are legally challenging the EU EV tariffs while exploring negotiated solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about BMW in talks with EU on tariff exemption for 'Made in China' Minis, Handelsblatt reports
1What is the main topic?
BMW and the European Commission are negotiating a minimum import price that could replace EU tariffs on China-made Mini electric vehicles such as the Cooper and Aceman.
2How did Volkswagen secure an exemption?
On Feb 10, 2026, the EU accepted a price undertaking for Volkswagen’s China-made Cupra Tavascan, allowing tariff-free imports at or above a set minimum price.
3What tariffs does BMW face now?
BMW’s China-made Mini EVs currently face a 20.7% countervailing duty imposed after the EU’s 2024 anti-subsidy investigation, in addition to the base import tariff.
