Shift Key with Robinson Meyer Why the Rest of the World Is Buying Chinese EVs
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Dec 10, 2025 
Ilaria Mazzocco, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, delves into the booming Chinese electric vehicle market. She reveals how countries are strategically welcoming or resisting Chinese EVs based on local economic goals. Mazzocco discusses buyer patterns in emerging markets, the challenges of charging infrastructure, and the implications for U.S. policies. With insights on Brazil's tariff changes and India's dependence on Chinese technology, she highlights the complexities of global EV competition and the future of industrial policy.
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Brazil's Tariff Flip And BYD Factories
- Brazil removed EV tariffs and then saw a surge of BYD imports, prompting a reintroduction of tariffs up to 35%.
- BYD responded by opening assembly and manufacturing operations inside Brazil.
Indonesia’s Factory-First Tariff Strategy
- Indonesia tied tariff exemptions to commitments to build local factories and has attracted Chinese and other regional EV investment.
- Manufacturers must have plants operating by 2026 or repay tariff exemptions.
India Protects OEMs But Depends On Batteries
- India retains mostly domestic OEMs and protects its market from Chinese EVs via high tariffs.
- Indian automakers still rely on Chinese batteries and IP for affordable models.