【4.18 Lithium Battery News】Experts Analyze the Relatively Limited Impact of Auto Tariffs on Chinese Automakers

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【Expert: Impact of Auto Tariffs on Chinese Automakers Relatively Limited】 According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), although China is the world's largest automobile producer and exporter, the number of cars directly exported to the US has significantly declined due to US trade policies. In 2024, China exported only 116,000 cars to the US, accounting for just 1.81% of China's total car exports. Dongshu Cui, Secretary General of the CPCA, stated that the proportion of Chinese cars exported to the US is minimal, especially for domestic brands, which will not be affected by the US tariff hike. "The impact of the 25% auto tariff did not exceed expectations," noted Qing Chen, an analyst at BOCOM International. Although the tariff on Chinese cars exported to the US increased by 25%, the overall impact is relatively limited. Prior to this tariff, the US tariff on Chinese NEVs was already 122.5%, and 47.5% for internal combustion engine vehicles. After the new tariffs took effect, the additional tariffs on EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles rose to 145% and 70%, respectively. Under hefty tariffs, most Chinese domestic brands had already announced their withdrawal from the US market. He believes that Chinese automakers will accelerate localization and supply chain regionalization in countries along the "Belt and Road," Southeast Asia, and Europe.

【Hyundai Plans to Suspend Some EV Production Lines Again】 Hyundai plans to suspend some production lines again due to slowing overseas demand for EVs and the impact of US import tariffs. The company will halt operations at Line 12 of Plant 1 in the Ulsan factory from April 24 to 30, which is responsible for producing the Ioniq 5 and Kona EVs. This is the second time Hyundai has temporarily suspended EV production this year, following a five-day shutdown in February due to slowing global EV demand. The latest suspension reflects a significant decline in global orders for EVs, particularly from major export markets such as Europe, Canada, and the US.

【Sinomine Resource Group: Tariff Policy Changes Have Not Significantly Impacted Company Operations】 Sinomine Resource Group stated on an interactive platform that its overseas revenue mainly comes from subsidiaries such as Bikita in Zimbabwe, Tanco in Canada, and SSF Ltd in the UK. The company's cesium, rubidium, and lithium chemicals businesses have a strong market reputation, with downstream clients including several domestic and international publicly listed firms and top-tier enterprises. Tariff policy changes have not significantly impacted the company's operations.

【Hainan Mining: Transfer of Mining Rights for Bougouni Lithium Project Completed】 Hainan Mining (601969.SH) announced that its subsidiary, Kodal Mining UK, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malian government regarding the transfer of mining rights for the Bougouni lithium project. Recently, the transfer was approved, and the certificate was registered under Le Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA, with an initial validity period of 10 years. The company will proceed with government equity participation and project commissioning.

【Fangyuan Co., Ltd.: Termination of Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production and Comprehensive Utilisation of Waste LFP Battery Project】 Fangyuan Co., Ltd. (688148.SH) announced that due to changes in the market environment and the company's business development strategy, it has decided to terminate the investment of up to 3 billion yuan in the "Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Production and Comprehensive Utilisation of Waste LFP Battery Project." The project was originally planned to be constructed in two phases, with the first phase including an annual production of 30,000 mt of battery-grade lithium carbonate and 46,000 mt of iron phosphate precursor, and the second phase including an annual production of 40,000 mt of LFP cathode material. The company has already invested 97 million yuan in the project and has returned the project land. The company will proceed with the deregistration of Fangyuan Lithium and other follow-up matters. This decision aims to optimize resource allocation, reduce operational risks, and improve operational efficiency, and will not adversely affect the company's business development.

【EVE: 2024 Net Profit Up 0.63% YoY, Plans to Distribute 5 Yuan per 10 Shares】 EVE (300014.SZ) announced its 2024 annual report, with revenue of 48.615 billion yuan, down 0.35% YoY, and net profit attributable to shareholders of 4.076 billion yuan, up 0.63% YoY. The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 5 yuan per 10 shares (tax included). Note: Q3 2024 net profit was 1.051 billion yuan, and Q4 2024 net profit was 887 million yuan, down 15.64% QoQ.