China EV makers Xpeng, Li Auto shift focus to Mideast and Central Asia

NEW YORK — Chinese electric-vehicle makers Xpeng and Li Auto say they are focused on growing in the Middle East and elsewhere outside the U.S. following Washington’s announcement of a 100% punitive tariff on Chinese-made electric cars.

Such Chinese EV makers as Nio had talked last year of entering the U.S., while competitively slashing prices in a crowded home market. U.S. President Joe Biden has announced major increases in tariffs on Chinese goods, including EVs, to prevent cheap imports from flooding the country. Meanwhile, the European Union has launched a probe into whether tariffs should be implemented to protect European producers from cheaper Chinese EVs.