Tesla’s stock price dropped in early trading after reports suggested that the company could be part of a European Union (EU) probe into whether China’s electric vehicle industry is receiving unfair subsidies. The EU has gathered evidence indicating that Tesla, along with other companies, is benefiting from China’s support of the electric vehicle sector. European Union executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis stated that there is “sufficient prima facie evidence” to justify investigating imports from China, including vehicles produced by Tesla in its Shanghai plant. This probe comes as close to one-fifth of all electric vehicles sold in Europe are manufactured in China.
Chinese electric car companies Nio, XPeng, and BYD Companies have also seen growth in imports to China this year, although they still account for a relatively small part of the market. In premarket trading, Tesla’s shares fell 1.31%, while NIO and XPeng dropped 1.80% and 2.70% respectively. Despite the decline, Tesla’s stock continues to trade above its 100-day and 200-day moving averages.
The EU’s investigation into China’s electric vehicle industry raises concerns about the subsidies and support provided to companies like Tesla. This probe reflects a broader effort to ensure fair competition in the global electric vehicle market. With a significant portion of European electric vehicles coming from China, the EU seeks to ensure a level playing field for all manufacturers. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Tesla’s business and its operations in Europe remain uncertain.
