Frankfurt — German automaker BMW reported stronger profitability in the third quarter, demonstrating resilience despite mounting pressure from tariffs and slowing sales in China.
The company’s automotive operating profit margin rose to 5.2% between July and September, up from 2.3% a year earlier. However, BMW said tariff costs in the U.S. and European Union — particularly those affecting electric vehicles exported from China — continued to weigh on margins.
CEO Oliver Zipse praised the company’s performance, saying BMW had proven “resilient” amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, including global trade tensions and a rapidly changing Chinese market.
While BMW cut its 2025 outlook in October due to ongoing tariff pressures and weaker demand in China, analysts note that the company remains better positioned than other German carmakers thanks to its large U.S. production base.
BMW’s net profit for the quarter surged to €1.7 billion ($1.9 billion), a major rebound from €476 million a year earlier when results were hit by a major vehicle recall.
Meanwhile, revenues remained steady at €32.2 billion.
