Britain reported to be weighing tariffs on Chinese electric cars; government says none imposed

Centre · 1The Times reported on Sunday 4 October that Britain is considering, or is expected to impose, tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports. 1 2 Mixed · 2According to the report, business minister Jonathan Reynolds is drawing up a package of potential tariffs, citing concerns that Chinese manufacturers are "dumping" subsidised vehicles into Britain. 1 3 Mixed · 2The Times said British ministers are ready to match the European Union's 45% levy on Chinese electric cars, to avoid the pain of the EU's "Made in Europe" proposals, which could affect UK companies selling into the EU. 1 3

Mixed · 2Reuters could not immediately verify the report. A British government spokesperson told Reuters that no tariffs have been imposed on Chinese EVs and that the government continues to engage closely with industry so its approach reflects the sector's and the UK's national interests. 1 3 Mixed · 2The EU's "Made in Europe" policy aims to reduce reliance on Chinese components by prioritising European-made goods, which worries British carmakers that supply parts into European manufacturing chains and sell vehicles across the bloc. 1 3 Right · 1Prime Minister Andy Burnham said in September he would argue that Britain should be treated as a "trusted partner" under the proposed EU rules, warning that excluding the UK could damage its car industry. 3

Centre · 1The Financial Times reported in September that Brussels had urged Burnham to align more closely with EU trade policy and raise tariffs on Chinese cars if Britain wants to avoid the "made in Europe" barriers. 1 Centre · 1A South China Morning Post opinion piece published on 3 October, before the Times report, said EU officials had told Burnham that Britain needs to align more closely with EU trade policy towards China to avoid discriminatory treatment under the proposed "Made in Europe" rules. It noted that the EU imposed countervailing duties of 7.8 to 35.3 per cent on Chinese battery EVs after its 2024 anti-subsidy investigation, while Britain kept a standard tariff regime, and that Chinese-made cars made up 14 per cent of British new-car sales in 2025, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. 4 Centre · 1The column's author, Adriel Kasonta, argued that alignment would cost British consumers and reduce leverage with Beijing, but could shield the car industry, since the EU took 60.4 per cent of UK vehicle exports in 2025 and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders puts UK-EU automotive trade at about €80 billion a year. 4

Mixed · 2The Times, citing senior government sources, also said ministers believe any tariff decision should rest on Britain's national interest rather than automatically following the EU's lead. 1 3