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Chinese Carmakers Gain Ground in Latin America as 2025 Sales Surge and Tariffs Loom

Policy incentives plus low-cost EVs are propelling Chinese automakers in Latin America.

Overview

  • In Argentina, Chinese-brand registrations nearly quadrupled in 2025 to more than 12,000, lifting their share to 2.2% and reflecting a five-year quota that allows 50,000 hybrid and electric imports annually at 0% duty for models up to US$16,000 FOB.
  • Peru set a record with more than 10,000 electrified vehicles sold in 2025, up 54% year over year, with battery-electric and plug-in hybrids increasing their share within the segment.
  • In Mexico, BYD sold 75,157 vehicles in 2025, ranking sixth and outselling Ford, Honda and Suzuki, even as the combined share of reporting China-origin brands slipped to 7.8% from 8.2% in 2024.
  • Trade actions are reshaping 2026 plans, with the United States applying a 15% tariff to certain Mexico-built vehicles in 2025 and Mexico announcing import duties of 10%–50% on goods from countries without trade pacts, including Chinese autos.
  • S&P Global Mobility urged Mexican dealers to add at least one Chinese brand to their lineups, citing cost advantages such as lower battery prices and the risk of losing market share.