Why BMW Mini Suspended EV Imports from China to the U.S. – Key Impacts

BMW's Mini brand has halted plans to introduce two China-made electric vehicles (EVs) – the Aceman compact crossover and an electric convertible – to the U.S. market. This decision stems from high U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs, cooling consumer demand, and escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Trade Policy & Tariff Barriers

• 25%+ tariffs on Chinese-made EVs under Biden administration policies made the imports commercially unviable.
• Potential new tariffs announced by the Trump campaign created additional uncertainty for automakers.
• Mini's U.S. VP Peyton confirmed that local production in South Carolina wasn't feasible due to low projected sales volume and lack of local supply chains for these models.

Market Consequences

• Dealers like those in Portland expected 35% annual sales growth from these EVs, now lost.
• No immediate replacement for discontinued two-door Mini EVs, creating a product gap.

Strategic Shifts

• Mini delayed its 2030 all-electric target, extending combustion-engine model production.
• Postponed EV production plans at Oxford plant (UK) due to global uncertainties.
• Exploring non-Chinese production alternatives for U.S. market entry remains challenging.

Mini Model Comparison (2024-2025)

Pricing Reference (China Market)

• 2024 Electric Mini Cooper: ¥189,800-266,800 (~$26,361-37,056)
• 2024 Aceman EV: ¥163,900 (~$22,764) starting price

Industry Outlook

Global trade protectionism has forced automakers to rethink export strategies. For Chinese-made EVs, the U.S. market appears effectively closed without major policy changes. Mini is adapting by:

• Extending combustion model lifecycles
• Exploring supply chain diversification
• Developing market-specific products like potential gas-powered Aceman alternatives

"We can't simply assume local sourcing will immediately solve our challenges." – Michael Peyton, Mini Americas VP

Journalist: Xiao Mi, TopUsedCars.com Automotive News