Blocked from the U.S. by tariffs, Chinese electric vehicle makers have looked elsewhere to sell their high-tech cars. But as Mexico has emerged as a hot spot for Chinese EVs, Washington officials worry the country may be used as a “backdoor” to the U.S. market.
Last year, China was the leading car supplier to Mexico, exporting $4.6 billion worth of vehicles to the country, according to the Mexican Ministry of Economy. Even customers wary of EVs have been won over by affordable price tags. Tesla rival BYD sells its Dolphin Mini in Mexico for around 398,800 pesos, or about $21,300, a little over half the price of the cheapest Tesla.
“The Chinese automakers came to the country very aggressively,” said Juan Carlos Baker, former Mexican deputy minister for international trade. “They have very good promotions. It’s a good product that sells at a very reasonable price.”
Some Chinese EV makers, including BYD, have been looking for …