UK expected to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, prepared to match EU's 45% levy (The Times, Sunday)
What happened
The Times reported Sunday, Oct. 4, that Britain is expected to impose tariffs on Chinese electric-car imports, with business minister Jonathan Reynolds drawing up a package of potential tariffs amid concerns that Beijing is 'dumping' state-subsidized vehicles into Britain. According to senior government sources cited by the paper, ministers are ready to match the European Union's 45% levy on Chinese EVs, partly to avoid the pain of the EU's 'Made in Europe' proposals that could penalize UK companies selling into the EU. Reuters, which picked up the report, noted it could not independently verify it, and a UK government spokesperson said no tariffs have been imposed yet, adding the government 'continues to engage closely with industry' so its approach reflects national interests.
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Who’s affected
- BYD (largest Chinese EV presence in the UK: 5.75% of September registrations; UK sales momentum directly at risk)
- Chery, MG (SAIC), Omoda, Jaecoo, Leapmotor (other fast-growing Chinese brands in the UK market)
- UK/EU auto stocks exposed to supply-chain realignment and UK-EU trade dynamics