Geopolitical competition and governments’ efforts to de-risk strategic sectors are heating up in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with China, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) all positioning to support their domestic industries. The three great powers – and many geopolitical swing states – are also seeking to expand defense sector investments in this era of sustained geopolitical tensions.
This edition also explores the implications of the new US data security executive order and China's policy outlook following its recent legislative session. India’s national elections will be the largest of this year’s global elections supercycle, so we examine the election outlook there as well as citizens’ satisfaction with democracy in a variety of G20 countries.
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Topic 1
Rising geopolitical competition over electric vehicles has created global market uncertainties.
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China’s longstanding strategic focus on developing its automobile sector — which now includes electric vehicles (EVs) and high-capacity batteries — has led to Chinese firms accounting for nearly 60% of global EV sales and 35% of exports.1 Chinese EV firms have increasingly diversified their manufacturing locations to Southeast Asia, eastern Europe and Mexico to secure better access to major commercial markets.2
Two key goals of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) were to incentivize EV adoption and manufacturing in the US. China filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against alleged discriminatory subsidies in the IRA. Separately, the US recently launched an investigation into national security concerns over the technology used in electric and other connected vehicles from China and other “countries of concern”.3
The EU is also trying to build up capacity to manufacture EVs within the bloc. And in the midst of investigations on whether Chinese EV manufacturers benefited unfairly from subsidies, the European Commission now requires customs registration of all Chinese EV imports to the EU, a first step toward potentially imposing tariffs.4
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Read moreGeopolitical competition will continue to influence how governments pursue their energy transition objectives, as they seek both economic growth and energy security. This will lead to a continued focus on securing and de-risking supplies of critical minerals and other inputs for EVs — such as the EU’s recent adoption of Critical Raw Materials Act regulations — and boosting domestic production of EVs and other energy transition technologies.5
India, Brazil, Mexico, and a variety of emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Europe are likely to continue encouraging EV manufacturers to invest by offering trade and tax incentives. These efforts could diversify the location of EV manufacturing, but not necessarily the companies involved.6
Chinese companies’ investment in Mexico would likely lead to the US heightening scrutiny of EVs and related components that are imported from Mexico and seek to qualify for favorable US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) tariff rates and incentives associated with the IRA. Washington may also restrict Chinese EV manufacturers’ ability to directly enter the US market.
The EU may impose tariffs — potentially retrospectively — on Chinese EV imports at the end of its anti-subsidy probe in November and may screen Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in EV manufacturing based on economic security concerns.7 India may also continue to restrict FDI from select countries for similar reasons.
Given the importance Beijing places on “new quality productive forces” to drive the Chinese economy, its industrial policies to support EV manufacturing and other strategic products are expected to continue. In response to any new EU actions, the Chinese government may impose reactive measures such as tariffs on imports of European luxury and consumer goods.8
Major sectors affected include advanced manufacturing and mobility, technology, and mining and metals.
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Read moreEV manufacturers should closely monitor the geopolitical dynamics affecting their sector to anticipate how new policies and regulations may affect the viability of planned transactions and broader strategies. Governments may restrict investments and exports from geopolitical rivals. For instance, EV companies headquartered in China may face more barriers to accessing the EU market, including tariffs and reduced access to government incentives. Global executives should consider alternative strategic options regarding capital and ownership structures, such as joint ventures and licensing, to manage these risks.
EV and component manufacturers are likely to face heightened policymaker scrutiny of their supply chains and vehicle content requirements, including second- and third-tier supplier relationships for raw materials and technological components and rules of origin concerns. Executives should ensure their company’s compliance and transparency processes have the capabilities and resources to withstand scrutiny and adapt to any new reporting requirements.
Government investment in EVs is likely to create opportunities for some automakers, in both the largest markets as well as in geopolitical swing states. Executives should identify and assess opportunities associated with these enabling policies — while taking into account geopolitical dynamics and alliances when assessing the viability of entering or expanding in particular markets.
Executives across the industry – including suppliers and customers – should engage with policymakers and regulators to build awareness of how new policies and regulations may affect the industry.
For more information, contact Courtney Rickert McCaffrey.
Topic 2
Geopolitical tensions are driving increased defense spending, which may be constrained by capacity and economic challenges
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Russia has increased military spending 70% over 2023 as the Kremlin continues to mobilize industry to support its efforts in the war in Ukraine.
The proposed US FY25 defense budget is 1% higher than FY24 — although this is effectively a decrease given inflation.9
The EU unveiled its first defense industrial strategy10, China recently announced a planned 7.2% increase in defense spending for this year, and India boosted military spending 4.7% over last year11.
War in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, as well as geopolitical tensions in Asia, mean that many governments are likely to prioritize increasing military capabilities. Notably, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members are forecast to continue expanding defense spending, with 18 of NATO’s 31 members expected to achieve the alliance target of 2% of GDP for their defense budgets, up from 11 in 2023.12
However, industrial base deficiencies, supply chain constraints and labor shortages are likely to hinder efforts to rapidly increase production of basic items such as artillery munitions, particularly in Europe and the US. More advanced, high-demand systems, such as submarines, are equally at risk of extended delays.
Aerospace and defense companies are likely to see continuing demand for their products but may face challenges in executing on current programs while building industrial capacity and investing in new capabilities – particularly given government defense spending is lagging inflation in some markets, putting additional pressure on earnings and investment capacity. Executives should explore supply chain improvements to manage potential production volatility, even as pressure increases on smaller suppliers to meet demand.
Aerospace and defense companies may also face talent issues in some markets, as structural gaps in engineering talent and other skilled labor are likely to persist for the foreseeable future.
To varying degrees, governments and militaries in many countries around the world will need to navigate political differences over spending priorities, lower economic growth, and inflation as they seek to replenish stocks and develop next-generation defense systems.
For more information contact Mike Cadenazzi.
Topic 3
US data security regulations, China’s continued innovation drive, India’s election
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The Biden administration recently issued an executive order to prevent the cross-border transfer of personal data to “countries of concern”, which include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela.13 Subsequent rule-making by executive agencies will focus on restrictions of “bulk data transfers” of geolocation, personal health, financial and other sensitive personal data and of sensitive government data. Officials argue this executive order is not a general data privacy or data localization policy, but rather is driven by national security concerns about how geopolitical competitors and adversaries could use such data.
While the executive order is narrowly focused, it is likely to have widespread business impacts. How the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies will design monitoring and enforcement mechanisms remains an open question, with officials currently soliciting feedback from the private sector. Companies should prepare for the potential of increasing compliance costs across their digital supply chains and assess how these new rules, once finalized, may affect business strategies dependent on cross-border data sharing. Executives should also monitor for signs that the US or other countries will introduce further efforts to protect and regulate the digital economy, including the potential for targeted regulations for sectors including e-commerce, biotech and pharmaceuticals.14
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China held the “two sessions” – the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the national political advisory body that puts forward proposals to the government, and the National People’s Congress (NPC), the top legislature of China’s government – in early March. These sessions signaled continuity on macroeconomic policy, including holding the GDP growth target at “around 5%” again this year. Officials also reinforced that investment will focus on “new productive forces,” including technological innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
State-driven and -incentivized investment in highly strategic sectors — including advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles and biotechnology — will continue to drive growth opportunities for companies. Given the overall focus on economic security, it is likely domestic companies will have more access to such opportunities. Renewed emphasis on the energy transition may lead to greater investments in sustainability as well.
For more information, contact Courtney Rickert McCaffrey.
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Recent polling suggests Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are likely to secure a third term in government in the elections that will be held during April and May.15 The BJP and its National Democratic Alliance of parties is expected to form a government during the following months. The BJP itself may even secure a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of parliament, giving Modi a strong popular mandate and a comfortable margin in the legislature to continue executing on his policy agenda.
If the election results align with recent polls, the government will likely seek to implement pro-growth economic policies and increase India’s global influence. Policies to boost manufacturing in advanced industries such as semiconductors, EVs and AI are expected to continue, including via further incentives, rebates, and capital support to attract more FDI. The BJP also plans to increase physical and digital infrastructure investment, which could improve logistics for companies operating in India.16 The government will likely also continue negotiations to potentially reduce trade barriers with the UK, EU and Australia.
For more information, contact Courtney Rickert McCaffrey.
Topic 4
Levels of dissatisfaction with democracy in countries
Satisfaction with the way democracy is working in a country is an indicator of trust in and stability of current governing structures. In a Pew Research Center survey of 24 countries, the median dissatisfaction rate stood at 59%. Only seven countries have a satisfaction rate of 50% or more. Given the global elections supercycle this year, this strong dissatisfaction with democracy could lead to lower voter turnout, higher support for more extreme candidates and parties and more significant policy changes.
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According to OECD’s 2023 Government at a Glance report18, trust in governments generally creates a more stable environment for businesses, curtails corruption, establishes the authenticity of international rule systems, and promotes innovation. If low levels of satisfaction in democracy persist, it could lead to a prolonged period of political and social instability, and even violence. This would likely disrupt operations and supply chains. Such sociopolitical unrest also raises legal and reputational risks, particularly for foreign companies operating in affected markets.
Additional EY contributors to this article include Adam Barbina, Ari B Saks, Alessandro Faini, Jay T. Young, Kristi Kennedy, Kyle Madura, Yi Y Xie and Prarthana Khera.
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Disagreement at the WTO, global interest rates, Indonesia’s election, a rise in armed conflicts, and more.
Red Sea instability, Taiwan’s outlook, Brazil’s and Argentina's reforms, and more.
Middle East conflict, China’s global infrastructure strategy shifts, EU-US cooperation, Biden-Xi summit, and more.
The EY Geostrategic Business Group (GBG) provides its take on key geopolitical developments and the impact of these political risks on international business. Each monthly EY Geostrategic Analysis issue includes assessments of recent or upcoming geopolitical risk events and what they mean for companies across sectors and geographies.
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