Britain to keep tariffs on Chinese EVs ‘under review,’ UK business chief says
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is keeping potential tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles under close review as the government navigates trade talks with the EU. The UK is seeking to join the 'Buy European' industrial program while balancing the needs of its export-oriented automotive sector.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the complex trade-offs between protecting domestic manufacturing, maintaining export market access, and managing geopolitical tensions regarding Chinese subsidies.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the U.K.’s position on the issue was “finely balanced” as officials pursue talks with Brussels.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Free article usually reserved for subscribers Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the POLITICO Pub at the Labour Conference in Liverpool, England on Sept. 27, 2026. | Baldo Sciacca for POLITICO September 27, 2026 9:29 pm CET By Graham Lanktree and Dan Bloom LIVERPOOL, England — Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is keeping tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles “under review” as the U.K. fights to be included in Brussels’ Buy European program.
The European Union has requested that the U.K. raise tariffs on Chinese EVs in order to advance talks to join the industrial program, amid fears Britain could provide a back door for Chinese vehicles to enter the single market, the Financial Times reported on Friday .
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