Details
📉 Took the off-ramp: Warren Buffett’s holding company is exiting one of its most successful bets in Asia. Berkshire Hathaway has fully sold its stake in Chinese EV maker BYD. Most recently, 1.3 million H-shares changed hands in Hong Kong (proceeds: HK$310.5m ≈ US$40m).
💰 Cashing out: Buffett’s initial buy-in was US$230 million in 2008. Over the years the position’s value at times topped US$9bn. Total return: ~3,900%.
🍜 Sold in portions: The original block of 225 million shares was trimmed step by step between 2022 and 2024. From an initial 20.04% stake, Berkshire reduced its holding through 14 sales all the way to zero.
🌏 Geopolitics in view: The backdrop is rising tariffs in the US and EU. BYD is responding with new plants in Thailand and Hungary to sidestep export barriers.
- However: The growth engine is still running. Despite Buffett’s exit, BYD continues to post record global sales. Demand for affordable EVs is surging, especially in emerging markets.
Big Picture
Buffett’s farewell to BYD shows how geopolitical risk can shake even the most attractive investments. Chinese EVs are booming in many markets, while the West has become an obstacle course of tariffs and regulation.
For investors, the takeaway is clear: the opportunity remains big—just be ready for political potholes.
The China Survival Guide for Western Businesses
Entity setup, WeChat strategy, hiring your first local team. 12+ years on the ground in Shanghai.
