Import taxes affect Mini’s plans

The new electric models from Mini, the Cooper and the Aceman, are no longer guaranteed to arrive in the United States

Mini is revising its plans concerning the importation of its electric models manufactured in China. The electric Cooper and the Aceman, a compact crossover, were initially scheduled to arrive in North America in 2026, after their production start in the UK. But today, these plans seem compromised. High import duties on electric vehicles produced in China can now reach 100%.

Mini’s strategy disrupted by high tariffs

To bypass these tariffs, Mini planned to wait for its Oxford factories in the UK to produce these models alongside the Chinese facilities. This plan was supposed to delay their launch by two years. But recent reports suggest that even this solution is uncertain.

Despite these obstacles, Mini does not completely give up on electric vehicles in the US market. The Mini Countryman EV, manufactured in Germany, is still scheduled for 2025. This electric SUV could become the marque’s only electric offering in the United States due to its potential to appeal to crossover enthusiasts. This model, tested upon its launch in Portugal, was praised for its range and driving enjoyment. It even surpasses its thermal versions.

Towards a reduced but tailored offer

As American buyers are more interested in SUVs than city cars, the Countryman might suffice to meet demand. The thermal models of the Cooper, produced in Europe, will remain available. However, they could also be affected if a 10% tariff on European imports is implemented under a future Trump presidency.

Meanwhile, the future of the Mini Cooper and the electric Aceman in the United States remains uncertain. Their absence could reshuffle the deck in the segment of compact electric vehicles.

Read also: The new MINI convertible arrives straight from England