German carmaker BMW on Wednesday reported a rise in profitability in the last quarter despite facing challenges from slowing Chinese sales and tariffs.

The premium manufacturer posted an operating profit margin in its auto unit, closely watched by investors, of 5.2 percent in the July-September period, compared to 2.3 percent in the same period last year.

However tariff costs in the United States and the EU — BMW exports electric vehicles made in China that are subject to European levies — weighed on margins, it said.

CEO Oliver Zipse said BMW was proving itself “resilient” despite numerous difficulties.

These included “a shifting geopolitical framework with trade impacts such as tariffs, as well as a rapidly evolving market in China,” he said.

The carmaker, which also makes Mini and

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