In recent months, Australia's electric vehicle market has seen a surge in Chinese brands, especially BYD, which has become increasingly popular among consumers. Cars like the Sealion 6 and Shark are being purchased without much hesitation, highlighting their affordability compared to U.S. counterparts. This trend contrasts sharply with the U.S., where tariffs imposed by Presidents Biden and Trump have effectively barred many Chinese EVs from entering the market. In Australia, approximately one-third of all EV sales involve Chinese models, demonstrating a significant shift in consumer preference in regions without protective tariffs.
Flood, who owns a construction firm, immediately dropped $38,000 on the Shark. The couple marveled at how inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles were proving popular in Australia, yet were unavailable in the United States.
Biden effectively blocked their import with a 100 percent tariff aimed at protecting U.S. automakers from what he called unfair competition, citing Beijing's heavy subsidies.
In Australia, which has no auto industry of its own to protect with tariffs, Chinese EVs are suddenly everywhere...and more than two-thirds if Tesla's Chinese-made cars are included.
Sales [of BYD] rose by 65 percent last year, said David Smitherman, the CEO of EVDirect, BYD's Australian distributor.
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