EU lifts tariffs on Seat's Cupra Tavascan after deal with Volkswagen

The European Commission has dropped extra tariffs on the Cupra Tavascan, the electric SUV designed in Barcelona and built in China by Seat, after an agreement with the Volkswagen Group on Tuesday February 10th.

Seat, the Spanish automaker behind the Cupra brand, is part of the Volkswagen Group.

Since November 2024, the model had faced a total tariff of 30.7%, a standard 10% duty plus an additional 20.7%. 

From February 11, only the standard 10% duty will apply.

In return, Seat will sell the Tavascan at a minimum price, limit the number of vehicles imported into the EU, and invest in battery electric vehicle projects in Europe.

The commission said the agreed minimum price will not harm the EU auto industry, although the exact figure has not been made public. 

Brussels also said Volkswagen'’s commitments support the EU'’s industrial strategy and climate transition goals.

Volkswagen had pushed for months for a solution, arguing that the Tavascan is a European project, despite being produced in China. 

Seat and Cupra welcomed the decision, calling the Tavascan a key European project and a core model in their electrification strategy.