Chinese electric car makers shift to Africa as Western markets closeCEFR A2
22 Oct 2025
Adapted from Jean Sovon, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Michael Myers, Unsplash
In the last decade, Chinese automakers expanded abroad after oversaturation and a price war at home made profits harder to keep. Beijing encouraged firms to enter overseas markets with innovation and low prices, especially for electric vehicles.
Tariffs and trade controls now limit access to the United States and Europe. In September 2024 President Joe Biden imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs and in June 2025 President Donald Trump raised them to 154 percent. The European Union launched investigations in October 2024.
Many companies now focus on the Global South, especially Africa. Countries and firms are moving into sales, production and assembly, and some African governments use incentives and policies to attract investment.
Difficult words
- market — place where people buy and sell things.
- vehicles — machines that move people or goods.EVs
- companies — groups that produce goods or services.
- expand — to increase in size or area.
- factory — place where things are made.
- support — to help or assist.
- incentives — rewards that encourage actions.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think electric vehicles will change Africa?
- What are the potential benefits of expanding EV markets in Africa?
- Why do you think South Africa is key for car sales?
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