A global Tesla boycott is sweeping the world, but China remains an oasis of calm.
A ‘Tesla Takedown’ campaign is gaining momentum in the United States. It opposes the massive layoffs of federal employees led by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The boycott’s effects are being felt around the world. In Germany, Tesla’s February vehicle sales plummeted by 78%. Meanwhile, Canada has threatened to impose a retaliatory 100% tariff on Tesla if the U.S. moves forward with its own tariffs. This anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across borders.
However, China is resisting the global trend. Elon Musk, who promotes pro-China rhetoric, enjoys widespread popularity in the country. His wealth and success have also endeared him to the Chinese, who admire the affluent.
Even more surprisingly, Donald Trump—often seen as a staunch opponent of China—still enjoys significant approval in the country.
It is not just Elon Musk who attracts attention—his mother, 76-year-old model Maye Musk, also enjoys widespread popularity. Her memoir has become a bestseller, and a photo of her wearing a traditional Chinese qipao has become one of the most widely shared images online.
May Musk has amassed an impressive following of 700,000 on Xiaohongshu, China’s popular short-video sharing platform.
Elon Musk has positioned himself as a prominent pro-China figure in the U.S., openly supporting Chinese leadership by asserting that Taiwan is part of China. His close ties with the Communist Party have paid off: Tesla became the first foreign company granted 100% ownership in Chinese history.
Despite this favorable treatment, Tesla faces a significant crisis in China, with sales declining for five consecutive months.
Interestingly, Tesla’s sales slump in China isn’t due to the boycott; its quality is falling short of its domestic competitor, BYD.
Tesla’s high prices add to its woes. Even after recent price cuts, the Shanghai-made Model Y and Model 3 still average $33,500. In contrast, BYD’s top-tier Song Plus model costs just $21,000.