Archive · 25 Sep 2026
EU Urges UK to Raise Chinese Car Tariffs
The European Union wants Britain to charge more money, called tariffs, on cars from China.
EU officials are worried that Chinese car companies could send cars through Britain and then sell them in Europe.
They say Britain’s trade rules should be closer to the EU’s rules.
The EU’s preferred idea is for Britain to join its customs union.
Andy Burnham wants Britain to be treated as a trusted partner instead.
He says leaving Britain out of the EU’s “Made in Europe” plan could hurt British car companies.
That plan would favor products made in Europe and reduce reliance on Chinese parts.
The report came from the Financial Times and has not been independently confirmed.
The European Union has urged Britain to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align its trade policy more closely with the bloc.
EU officials reportedly warned that lower British tariffs could let Chinese vehicles enter the European market through the UK.
The EU’s preferred solution would be for Britain to join the bloc’s customs union, according to the Financial Times report.
Andy Burnham said Britain should be treated as a “trusted partner” under the EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” framework.
The Financial Times report has not been independently verified, and the EU and Britain’s Foreign Office did not immediately comment.
- Who
- The European Union, Britain, Chinese vehicle manufacturers, and Andy Burnham are central to the report.
- What
- The EU reportedly urged Britain to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align its trade policy with the bloc.
- When
- The report was published on Friday; the issue was also discussed by Andy Burnham earlier in the week.
- Where
- The dispute concerns trade between Britain, the European Union, China, and the European market.
- Why
- The EU wants to prevent Chinese vehicles from bypassing higher European tariffs and reduce reliance on Chinese components.
EU Trade Alignment
British Trusted-Partner Approach
Tariffs on Chinese cars
EU Trade Alignment
The EU wants Britain to raise tariffs and align more closely with EU trade policy to prevent vehicles from bypassing European trade barriers.
British Trusted-Partner Approach
Britain’s position in the report emphasizes maintaining a trusted-partner relationship and protecting its automotive industry, rather than accepting the EU’s preferred customs-union solution.
Made in Europe rules
EU Trade Alignment
The EU supports rules that favor European production and reduce reliance on Chinese components.
British Trusted-Partner Approach
Andy Burnham argues that excluding Britain could damage British manufacturers because the UK automotive sector is integrated with European supply chains.
- Reported request
- The EU urged Britain to raise tariffs on Chinese cars.
- EU preferred solution
- Britain joining the EU customs union.
- Proposed framework
- The EU’s “Made in Europe” policy would favor goods produced within Europe.
- Main concern
- Lower UK tariffs could allow Chinese vehicles to enter the EU through Britain.
- British position
- Andy Burnham wants Britain treated as a “trusted partner.”
- Report source
- The Financial Times, citing two people familiar with the matter.
- Verification status
- Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the report.