Chinese electric car makers shift to Africa as Western markets closeCEFR A1
22 Oct 2025
Adapted from Jean Sovon, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Michael Myers, Unsplash
- Chinese car companies export more cars to other countries.
- Beijing told firms to sell green and cheap cars.
- The United States applied high tariffs on Chinese EVs.
- Joe Biden set 100% tariffs in September 2024.
- Donald Trump raised tariffs to 154% in June 2025.
- The European Union opened investigations in October 2024.
- Many Chinese EV firms now focus on Africa.
- BYD will triple its South Africa dealers by 2026.
- Morocco plans a big EV gigafactory opening June 2026.
- People worry about jobs, control, and mining costs.
Difficult words
- market — A place where things are bought and sold.
- sell — To give something in exchange for money.
- important — Very significant or valuable.
- interested — Wanting to know or learn about something.
- building — Making or constructing something.
- plans — Ideas about what to do in the future.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think electric vehicles are important?
- How can more electric cars benefit Africa?
- What challenges might countries face in selling EVs?
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