BMW affects a turbulent year, but its leadership signals optimism. According to CEO Oliver Zipse, the company expects a reduction in US car tariffs in July, although it returns a strong profit by 25% in the first quarter. The prediction takes place in the middle of increased global trade voltages and steep competition on the market for electric vehicles – especially in China. Zipse is of the opinion that the 25% tariff of the Trump government for imported cars could soon be rolled back because the US government pursues quick trade negotiations with important partners. “Nobody wins in trade conflicts,” he said. “All pages should avoid a spiral of isolation and commercial barriers.” He called for a return to “Zero -Null” tariffs, especially between the USA, Canada and Mexico.
BMW, which made a profit of EUR 3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025 – after the previous year of € 4.1 billion – is part of his decline on tariffs and wider macroeconomic pressure. The company said that new EU tasks alone cost over 100 million euros to Chinese EVs in the first quarter. The total costs in the United States, the EU and in China could be 1 billion euros by the end of the year. Nevertheless, the financial management of BMW remains confident. According to CFO Walter Mertl, the extensive lobbying and deeply rooted ties in Washington provide results. “We notice that things are moving, developing and negotiating,” he remarked and expressed careful optimism for political changes in July.
BMW’s US footprint strengthens its case. The company’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina is the largest automobile exporter from the USA and supports over 43,000 jobs. The economic contribution, Zipse argues, makes BMW difficult to ignore in trade policy discussions. In contrast to competitors such as Mercedes-Benz, Ford and Stellantis, who have withdrawn their 2025 guidelines due to political uncertainty-Ist. The automobile manufacturer based in Munich confirmed its forecast of the year as a whole and aimed at a operating range of 5 to 7% for its automotive segment and the flat area results compared to 2024.
However, BMW sees itself compared to the proposal in China-Dem largest internal market, where sales have decreased by 17% compared to the previous year, even if sales in Europe and the United States rose by 6% and 4%. The competition in the Asian EV area heats up with new and established brands that cut the market share. Despite these challenges, BMW Electric Vehicle’s sales increased by 32% worldwide and underpins the continued EV dynamics of the brand.
