Beijing has voiced significant opposition to potential British tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), as discussions continue in the United Kingdom regarding the imposition of higher levies. The Chinese embassy in London described the proposed measures as discriminatory and warned of possible retaliatory actions if the tariffs were enacted.

The controversy emerges amid reports that Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Business Secretary, has authorized officials to prepare options to increase tariffs on Chinese EVs to align with those applied by the European Union, which currently reach up to 45 percent. Presently, the UK imposes a 10 percent tariff on these imports. The EU’s stance has further complicated the situation, with Brussels indicating it may exclude British manufacturers from its “made in Europe” support schemes unless the UK enforces comparable duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy emphasized China’s firm opposition to what it termed “discriminatory practices” involving tariff increases and other restrictive trade measures targeting Chinese products. The embassy stressed that such policies would disrupt normal trade flows and negatively affect consumer interests. It added that China would monitor developments closely and respond as necessary.

A UK government spokesperson confirmed that officials have maintained ongoing scrutiny of tariff policies related to Chinese EVs. The government asserted that it engages regularly with the automotive industry to ensure that any approach to tariffs aligns with both sector-specific and broader national interests. The final decision on whether to raise tariffs remains under consideration, as policymakers weigh domestic industrial concerns against international trade relations and bilateral ties with China.