China warns Britain of retaliation over possible electric vehicle tariffs
Beijing urged Britain not to follow the EU’s approach, as London seeks closer cooperation with European partners on the automotive industry.
China has warned that it would retaliate against Britain if the country increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in alignment with the EU. A Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Beijing would defend Chinese industries against such restrictions.
The ministry argued that tariffs targeting Chinese electric vehicles would discriminate against them. It called on Britain to respect World Trade Organization rules rather than adopt the EU’s approach, and said it would monitor British developments closely.
Britain is considering closer coordination with the EU to address China’s dominance in the electric car market. British Trade Minister Anas Sarwar said at the German-British Business Summit in London that closer cooperation would benefit both sides. He described the automotive partnership as strong while acknowledging the challenge posed by China’s rapid expansion.
Separately, Britain is working with European partners to avert a 10 per cent electric vehicle tariff when tighter origin requirements under the Brexit trade agreement take effect. The government is also seeking inclusion in the EU’s Made in Europe policies, which favour products made in the bloc in certain procurement projects.
