The Brazilian government’s decision to reinstate the full 35% import tax on completely knocked-down (CKD) and semi-knocked-down (SKD) vehicle kits, originally scheduled for July 2028, has been brought forward to July 2025. The move, driven by lobbying from traditional automakers, directly challenges BYD, which had become Brazil’s retail sales leader by assembling 800 vehicles daily at its Camaçari plant. While BYD has acknowledged that the tax could raise prices on models not produced locally, the company has not yet detailed its response. Viewed from São Paulo, the policy shift underscores the tension between protecting domestic industry and fostering the electric-vehicle transition, with BYD’s hybrid and EV lineup now facing a cost disadvantage against locally manufactured rivals.

Meanwhile, in Argentina, BYD has launched pre-sales of the Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a combined range of 1,105 kilometres under the NEDC cycle and over 105 kilometres on electric power alone. The model, which requires a deposit of just USD 500, reinforces the brand’s strategy of expanding its electrified portfolio across Latin America. Analysts in Buenos Aires note that Argentina’s more lenient import policies contrast sharply with Brazil’s protectionist turn, creating a fragmented regional market where BYD must navigate differing regulatory landscapes.

In China, BYD’s flagship sedan, the Da Han, has obtained sales certification from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, revealing its dimensions and specifications. The D-Class sedan measures 5,256 mm in length with a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, and will be offered in two battery-electric variants and one plug-in hybrid. The standard BEV version produces 370 kW from a single rear motor, achieving a top speed of 240 km/h. The certification marks a step towards the model’s launch, which is expected to compete with premium sedans from established luxury brands.

On the entertainment front, K-pop group BIGBANG is reportedly preparing a new album of two to three songs for release this summer, ahead of their 2026 world tour commemorating the group’s 20th anniversary. The news, first reported by the Korea Herald, comes after YG Entertainment announced tour dates but has not confirmed the album. If realised, it would be the group’s first new music since “Still Life” four years ago, and their first as a trio. From Seoul, the move is seen as a strategic effort to reignite fan interest before a global tour, though YG’s silence suggests caution about overpromising.

Looking ahead, BYD’s ability to absorb or pass on the Brazilian tax increase will be a key test of its pricing power and localisation strategy. The company’s simultaneous push in Argentina and the imminent launch of the Da Han in China indicate a multi-front approach, but the Brazilian setback may force a reassessment of its manufacturing footprint. For BIGBANG, the album and tour represent a high-stakes comeback in a K-pop landscape that has evolved rapidly since their last release. Both stories, though from different industries, highlight the challenges of sustaining momentum in markets where regulatory and competitive pressures are mounting.