The Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is currently receiving sharply contrasting signals from its key operational theaters. While its domestic market shows signs of cooling, its European expansion is gaining significant momentum. The central question for investors is whether the strength abroad can sufficiently offset emerging headwinds at home.
European Operations Accelerate
Outside of China, BYD’s growth narrative remains robust. The company’s January sales figures in Germany surged to over ten times the level seen in the same month a year earlier. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, deliveries more than doubled on a year-over-year basis. These results underscore the effectiveness of the automaker’s strategic push into the European continent, where its expansion efforts are increasingly bearing fruit.
Domestic Market Faces Fiscal Headwind
The picture in BYD’s home market tells a different story. January witnessed the company’s weakest monthly sales volume in nearly two years for New Energy Vehicles, which include both pure electric and plug-in hybrid models. This performance represented a decline not only compared to the previous year but also relative to December 2025.
A primary factor behind this softening demand is a shift in Chinese fiscal policy. As of January 1, a 5% purchase tax has been reinstated on electric cars. This move ends a tax exemption that had supported the sector for more than a decade. The weaker sales performance in China has subsequently exerted downward pressure on the company’s share price.
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Global Strategy: Exports and Localization
BYD’s international ambitions are crystallizing in a clear export target: the company aims to ship 1.3 million vehicles overseas this year. Alongside its European success, the automaker is deepening its roots in other key regions. In Brazil, for instance, BYD plans to locally produce or source 50% of vehicle components in a new plant by the end of 2026. This localization strategy is designed to fortify supply chains and solidify its long-term presence in the South American market.
Back in China, the competitive landscape remains intensely challenging. Fierce price competition and an evolving regulatory environment continue to squeeze margins, with rivals like Geely applying constant pressure.
The upcoming financial report will provide a crucial snapshot of how well BYD is managing these cross-currents. The company is scheduled to release its fourth quarter 2025 results on March 25.
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