Business · Trade · 9 hrs ago
China warns UK against restricting Chinese electric vehicle imports
China warned the UK it would retaliate if Britain restricts imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
The warning came as London considers aligning its trade policy with the EU, which has imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar said Britain and the EU should work together to address China’s strong position in the car industry.
The UK government is discussing possible tariffs with the EU, but has not announced a decision.
China urged Britain to follow World Trade Organization rules and said the countries’ car industries could benefit from cooperation.
The dispute matters because UK restrictions could affect trade between China and Britain and their car industries.
The UK’s next step is still under discussion with the European Union.
China warned the United Kingdom it would take firm countermeasures if London restricts imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
The warning came as the UK considers aligning its trade measures with the European Union.
China urged the UK to follow World Trade Organization rules and think twice before acting.
UK trade minister Anas Sarwar said Britain and the EU should work together to address China’s dominance in the automotive sector.
The Chinese ministry said the two countries’ automotive industries are complementary and bilateral cooperation benefits both.
- Who
- China’s Ministry of Commerce warned the United Kingdom.
- What
- China threatened firm countermeasures if the UK restricts Chinese electric vehicles.
- When
- The warning was issued on Monday, October 19, according to CNN Brasil; SCMP reported it on October 20.
- Where
- The dispute concerns potential UK trade measures and imports into the United Kingdom.
- Why
- The UK is considering aligning its trade policy with the EU on Chinese electric vehicles.
China
UK government
Trade restrictions
China
China says the UK should not impose restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles and warns it will respond firmly.
UK government
The UK is considering potential tariffs and discussing alignment with EU trade measures.
Approach to China’s automotive sector
China
China urges the UK to follow World Trade Organization rules and not blindly follow the EU.
UK government
Anas Sarwar said Britain and the EU should work together and act in lockstep to address China’s dominance in the automotive sector.
Downing Street expressed interest in including the UK in the Made in Europe programme, according to CNN Brasil citing The Guardian.
UK trade minister Anas Sarwar called for Britain and the EU to work together on measures addressing China’s dominance in the automotive sector.
China’s Ministry of Commerce warned it would retaliate if the UK restricted Chinese electric vehicles, according to CNN Brasil.
- Potential UK measures
- Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles
- Chinese response
- Firm countermeasures if the UK imposes restrictions
- UK trade minister
- Anas Sarwar
- EU trade measures
- Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles imposed by the bloc in 2024, according to CNN Brasil
- Programme
- Made in Europe
3 sources
What people are saying
We hope the UK will abide by World Trade Organization rules and think twice before acting, rather than blindly following the EU
China will closely monitor developments and take firm countermeasures if the UK insists on restricting Chinese electric vehicles
work together and act in lockstep