UK may impose tariffs on Chinese EVs as pressure to align with EU grows: Report

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

62% : The proposed rules would favour goods produced within the EU in areas including subsidies, tax incentives and public procurement.
58% : The EU accounted for 58 per cent of UK car exports in the first half of 2026, compared with about 4 per cent for China, according to industry figures cited by the Guardian.
56% : EU tariffs have changed Chinese exports The European experience also shows how Chinese manufacturers can adapt to trade barriers.
48% : British ministers are considering tariffs of up to 45 per cent, broadly matching the duties imposed by the European Union on Chinese electric cars, according to the report.
48% : The US has largely shut Chinese EVs out through steep tariffs, while the EU has imposed duties of up to 45 per cent.
47% : UK weighs tariffs of up to 45 per cent on Chinese EVs as Brussels pushes Britain to align with EU trade policy Britain is weighing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as it faces a difficult choice between protecting its car industry from rising Chinese competition and keeping access to its biggest export market, the European Union.
45% : EU officials have reportedly warned that failure to impose tariffs on Chinese vehicles could expose British exports to proposed "Made in Europe" rules.
44% : "The UK and EU automotive industries are deeply integrated, so effectively excluding British-produced vehicles from their largest market would assure mutual damage," SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said.
44% : The EU imposed additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in 2024.
39% : The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has warned that the proposed EU rules could pose a major threat to British car production.

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