EU Presses Britain to Raise Tariffs on Chinese EVs as Beijing's Car Exports Surge
The European Union has urged the United Kingdom to raise tariffs on automobiles from China, underscoring the challenging dynamics of trade following Brexit. Despite leaving the EU, the UK remains closely linked to the bloc's industrial policies. This request coincides with a surge in China's electric vehicle exports, which saw a 33 percent increase in August compared to the previous year, totaling over 284,000 units. Year-to-date figures through August surpassed 2.1 million, marking a 53 percent rise. In August alone, nearly 95,000 of these vehicles were shipped to Europe. The article suggests that unless London effectively leverages its independent tariff policy with Beijing, it risks losing out on the benefits of an integrated European industrial system. The EU's timing is strategic, reflecting China's booming car export industry.
Key facts
- The EU has demanded that Britain raise tariffs on Chinese cars.
- Britain's post-Brexit trade position leaves it unable to easily escape the EU's industrial policy.
- China's electric vehicle exports in August rose 33 per cent year on year to more than 284,000 units.
- Year-to-date Chinese EV exports through the end of August were more than 2.1 million, up 53 per cent year on year.
- Almost 95,000 Chinese EV exports went to Europe in August.
- The timing of the EU's demand is not accidental, as China's car export machine is accelerating.
- Unless London turns its independent tariff policy into real bargaining power with Beijing, it will lose more by being shut out of an integrated European industrial framework.
- The article was published by the South China Morning Post.
Entities
Institutions
- European Union
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- Britain
- United Kingdom
- Beijing
- China
- Europe