UK apparently considering special tariffs on Chinese EVs
The UK is reportedly considering additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which would align it with EU anti-subsidy tariffs of between 7.8 and 35.3 per cent on battery-electric passenger cars from China, in force since the end of October 2024 on top of a regular import duty of 10 per cent. According to The Times, Economic Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is developing a package of potential tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports, the concern being that Chinese manufacturers are bringing subsidised vehicles to the UK at dumping prices. The UK government has not yet imposed any new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, and a government spokesperson told Reuters that it continues to engage closely with industry.
Why it matters: The reported plan ties UK trade policy to the EU's Industrial Accelerator Act, under which UK lawmakers and industry players want UK manufacturers treated as suppliers within the Made in Europe framework.