Brussels Pushes London to Hike Tariffs on Chinese EVs as Trade Reset Looms

The European Union is leaning on the UK to tighten its tariff regime on electric vehicles imported from China, according to a report, framing the demand as part of a wider effort to bring London’s trade policy closer to Brussels.

The pressure is said to be linked to how British goods are treated at EU borders, with the bloc reportedly suggesting that closer alignment — potentially including joining its customs union — could follow if the UK moves in step on Chinese-made EVs.

Such a shift would mark a significant change for Britain, which has so far kept a lighter tariff posture on Chinese electric cars than the EU and the United States. UK buyers have benefited from a steady flow of lower-priced Chinese models, and domestic industry voices have been divided over whether to follow Brussels’ harder line.

No decision has been announced, and the report stops short of detailing any timetable. The discussion nonetheless underlines how electric vehicles have become a central bargaining chip in post-Brexit trade relations between London and Brussels.