China EV makers Xpeng, Li Auto shift focus to Mideast and Central Asia

NEW YORK — Chinese electric-vehicle makers Xpeng and Li Auto say they are focused on growing in the Middle East and elsewhere outside the U.S. following Washington’s announcement of a 100% punitive tariff on Chinese-made electric cars.

Such Chinese EV makers as Nio had talked last year of entering the U.S., while competitively slashing prices in a crowded home market. U.S. President Joe Biden has announced major increases in tariffs on Chinese goods, including EVs, to prevent cheap imports from flooding the country. Meanwhile, the European…