According to a February 24, 2026, report from Germany’s Handelsblatt, BMW is currently in discussions with the European Commission regarding a minimum price mechanism. The goal is to secure tariff exemptions for its electric MINI models manufactured in China. This move comes after the EU reached a similar agreement with Volkswagen Group, which obtained tariff exemptions for the all-electric SUV coupe Tavascan under its SEAT/CUPRA brand. Industry observers expect more automakers to follow suit and negotiate such agreements in the near future.

At the heart of these negotiations lies a proposed minimum import price scheme. If implemented, this arrangement would serve as an alternative to the existing tariffs. Currently, BMW’s electric MINI Cooper and Aceman models produced in China are subject to a 20.7% tariff rate when imported into the EU. By establishing a minimum price threshold, BMW aims to reduce or eliminate these additional costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of its China-made electric vehicles in the European market.