Turkiye suspended BYD's (HKG:1211, SHE:002594) import tax exemptions and added the company would pay back taxes if it does not proceed with its commitment to build operations in the country, Nikkei Asia reported Thursday, citing the Industry and Technology Ministry.

BYD's incentives were suspended since the beginning of 2026, the report said, citing a ministry official.

The removal of the electric car giant's tax exemptions has impacted its sales in Turkiye, with only 152 cars sold in May, down from 3,866 in January, Nikkei said.

BYD signed an agreement with the ministry in July 2024 to establish a factory with a yearly capacity of 150,000 electric and plug-in hybrids, the report said.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)