Chinese electric vehicle sales in Europe have hit a record high, intensifying scrutiny of tariff policy amid accusations that state-subsidised Chinese manufacturers are "dumping" cars in the EU and UK to seize market share. The surge is likely to strengthen calls for quotas and higher import duties to shield European carmakers, who are already under pressure to boost their own electric vehicle sales to meet tighter emissions rules.

Chinese brands' share of the western European battery electric vehicle market rose to 14.2% in the first five months of the year, up nearly five percentage points on 2025, according to Schmidt Automotive Research, with 171,800 cars sold. This came despite EU tariffs of up to 35.3% on top of the standard 10% import duty; the UK, which has not imposed extra levies, was the largest single market, taking a quarter of sales, while Italy accounted for a fifth after Leapmotor exploited government subsidies to sell its T03 model for as little as €5,000. Analysts suggest Chinese firms may now shift focus to plug-in hybrids, which currently escape the extra tariffs, with the EU reportedly considering closing that loophole.