Chinese electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to grow in Spain in Europe despite provisional tariffs being imposed.
Among them, Chinese flagship carmaker BYD made and sold more EVs than any other companies in 2023.
On August 14, 1,000 brand-new BYD Seal U cars were delivered to Spain, and every single one was sold within weeks.
BYD Spain says business is booming.
"We started only 17 months ago with two dealers, today we have 30 dealers and before the end of 2024 we will have more than 40," said Inigo Trasmonte Garcia, marketing and press manager of BYD Spain.
The EU imposed additional tariffs on Chinese EVs in July citing subsidies.
Some European experts say that the tariffs won't halt the rise of Chinese EVs.
"The German government is not in favor of these tariffs. It's more the French and Italian producers who are afraid that their smart cars cannot compete with Chinese smart cars, and that's why they're pushing to have these tariffs, and they have enough votes in the European Council to have these tariffs confirmed. I think the impact will be limited," said Daniel Gros, director of Center for European Policy Studies.
At one of BYD's busy Madrid dealerships, customers care much more about value for money than global trade disputes.
"In the end I'm only interested in the final price the dealer can offer me," said a client.
"Yes, I'm convinced, it's time to talk numbers now!" said another one.
Chinese EVs sales continue to grow in Spain
Bakeries in Taiwan are experiencing a surge in customers, with long lines forming as people rush to purchase mooncakes ahead of the traditionally celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival.
In Taiwan, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished tradition with family reunions and festive gatherings, marked by moon-gazing, feasting on mooncakes, peeling pomelos, and savoring family moments.
Mooncakes and pineapple cakes are essential to the festival.
A renowned Taipei bakery is bustling with activity and long lines formed outside. Many customers wait over half an hour to select their favorite Mid-Autumn treats.
"Since I work away from home, I don't get to reunite with my family often. Mooncakes are an important gift. When we gather, it's a moment of completeness, just like the full moon. And the egg yolk puff is round too, symbolizing reunion and completeness," said a local resident.
Traditional flavors like green bean mooncakes and red bean egg yolk puff, with their delicate crusts and fresh fillings, are deeply prized by the local community.
To pander to the needs of surging consumers, the bakery which has been running in Taipei for 50 years, has extended its business hours by an hour during this busy season.
"Long lines stretch from 08:00 to 21:00 in front of our shop every day and sales are booming. This year, we've partnered with a renowned artist to design a special festive gift box. It contains all our products in one package, allowing customers to enjoy all kinds of flavors easily," said the shop's manager.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on Sept. 17 this year.
Taiwan residents rush to buy mooncakes ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival
