EU Presses UK to Raise Chinese Car Tariffs

The European Union has told the United Kingdom to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align with EU trade policy to avoid Made in Europe barriers, the Financial Times reported. The UK applies a 10 percent tariff on Chinese cars; the EU adds anti-subsidy duties on Chinese EVs up to 45 percent. Chinese makers hold 16 percent of Britain's new car market this year after the UK skipped the EU's 2024 EV tariffs. An EU official said a customs union would solve most made in Europe problems and fears Chinese goods could route through the UK. A second EU official described the shift from Singapore-on-Thames fears to a Turkey-across-the-Channel backdoor for Chinese goods. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out a customs union or single market. Nissan's Massimiliano Messina said the whole UK has to adjust some of tariff policy. The EU this month will monitor titanium dioxide imports from the UK after clearing a Chinese Teesside plant deal. Jonathan Reynolds flagged likely further EU tariffs to the chemical industry. John Alty said big trade powers want control of what enters partners' markets from elsewhere. No contested claims found in the record. Whether the UK raises Chinese car tariffs and how it balances EU access with Chinese investment after Burnham's first Xi call remains unresolved.