Autoconcern Mercedes-Benz has sold 9 percent fewer cars in the second quarter than in the same period a year earlier. Demand in the United States and China, in particular, lagged behind. This has to do with the American import duties.
Mercedes-Benz sold 453,700 cars worldwide, the company reported on Monday. Sales in the US fell by 12 percent. In China, sales fell by 19 percent.
“Overall wholesale deliveries were affected by the continued dynamic market situation, including the volatile tariff policy,” the German company said.
Mercedes-Benz produces large SUVs intended for China, including the GLS and GLE types, in the US.
After US President Donald Trump raised import duties on Chinese goods, Beijing responded with a levy on SUVs made in the US. That had an impact on the demand for these cars.