By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-28 12:01:33 | Updated at 2025-03-31 08:06:55
2 days ago
Chinese electric-vehicle (EV) companies should speed up their “go global” push regardless of tariffs and barriers set in their path, a former government minister and industry insiders said at a forum on Friday.
The country’s auto industry is still in the early stages of globalisation, as brand recognition remains low and carmakers lack overseas experience to react to the changing trade environment, keynote speaker Su Bo, former vice-minister of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said at the China EV100 Forum in Beijing.
The companies should balance exports and overseas production while seeking more diversified and innovative approaches to avoid potential policy risks and achieve a win-win with foreign partners, he said.
“The accelerated transformation in the global auto and transport sector has provided ample room for Chinese EVs to enter overseas markets,” Su said. “It’s important to focus equally on export trade and localised development abroad.”
He suggested regulators and industry organisations should study the challenges Chinese EV makers face in overseas markets and offer policy guidance and support.
Meanwhile, the carmakers should actively engage in negotiations with foreign policymakers and participate in global standard-setting activities in segments such as EV-critical minerals, batteries, automotive chips and autonomous driving, Su said.
China’s biggest carmakers, industry experts and government officials have flocked to Beijing for the three-day forum, which started on Friday, two days after US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on all imported cars starting next month.
