# Britain weighs tariffs on Chinese electric cars

> The UK is considering matching the EU's 45% levy on Chinese EVs to protect its car industry from state-subsidised imports.
- Title: Britain weighs tariffs on Chinese electric cars | Shortify
- Summary: The UK is considering matching the EU's 45% levy on Chinese EVs to protect its car industry from state-subsidised imports. Britain is considering imposing…
- Keywords: britain, china, electric vehicles, tariffs, trade policy, european union, jonathan reynolds, andy burnham, news, politics, weighs, Chinese
- Source: Daily Maverick — https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-05-britain-set-to-levy-tariffs-on-chinese-electric-cars-the-times-reports
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-10-05T04:37:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: britain, china, electric vehicles, tariffs, trade policy, european union, jonathan reynolds, andy burnham, news, politics
## Britain considers EV tariffs
Britain is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, the Times newspaper reported on Sunday, citing concerns about state-subsidised vehicles flooding the market.
## Reynolds draws up tariff package
Business minister Jonathan Reynolds is drawing up a package of potential tariffs on Chinese vehicle imports, concerned that Chinese manufacturers are dumping subsidised vehicles into Britain.
## Government says no tariffs yet
A British government spokesperson told Reuters no tariffs have been imposed on Chinese EVs, saying the government continues to engage closely with industry on the matter.

> We continue to engage closely with industry so that our approach reflects the sector's and UK's national interests.
## Matching EU's 45% levy
British ministers are ready to match the European Union's 45% levy on Chinese electric cars to avoid the pain of Made in Europe proposals, which could impact UK companies.
## EU pressure on trade alignment
The Financial Times reported in September that Brussels urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to align more closely with EU trade policy and raise tariffs on Chinese cars to avoid Made in Europe barriers.
## Decision based on national interest
According to the Times, citing senior government sources, ministers believe any decision on tariffs should be based on Britain's national interest rather than automatically following the EU's lead.
## Key takeaway

Britain is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports, citing concerns about state-subsidised dumping and pressure to align with EU trade policy.