Translating into Русский. The English version is shown until it is ready.
UK reviews tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese EVs under EU pressure
Коротко
The UK government is reviewing potential tariffs of up to about 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, a shift from its earlier reluctance to tax them. The move follows EU pressure and a rising share of Chinese brands in UK new-car registrations, Kyunghyang Shinmun and Chosun Ilbo reported. No decision has been made on whether to impose duties or at what rate.
Читать полностью 2 мин чтения
The UK government is reviewing potential tariffs of up to about 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles, according to Korean media reports. Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently instructed officials to prepare possible tariff measures, citing foreign media including the Financial Times. Chosun Ilbo, citing The Times' report of Oct 4, put the top rate under consideration at 45.3%, while Kyunghyang Shinmun described a level similar to the EU's, up to 45%. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The EU is the pressure point behind the review. Chosun Ilbo reported that the EU has warned that UK-made cars might not receive subsidies and tax benefits in the European market if Britain does not raise tariffs on Chinese vehicles. Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that the EU wants the UK to align with its regional trade policy, noting that the EU applies tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese EVs while the UK applies 10%, and that Britain has been criticised by EU states as a conduit for Chinese cars entering the bloc. [ 2 , 3 ]
Market data cited by Kyunghyang Shinmun show why the question has returned. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that Chinese brands including BYD, Chery, Changan and Jaecoo accounted for more than 20% of new cars registered in the UK last month. SNE Research data cited in the same report showed BYD's European EV deliveries up 76.5% in January-August from a year earlier, with Chery up 4.6 times and Leapmotor 5.5 times. [ 3 ]
The review contrasts with the UK's earlier stance. Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that London had treated its car industry as a key export sector and avoided heavy tariffs on China, partly because of the risk of retaliatory duties in the Chinese market. The report said the UK had sought local investment from Chinese automakers and emphasised an open market as a way to offset high labour and energy costs. [ 3 ]
Nothing is settled. Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that it has not been decided whether tariffs will be imposed, and that the specific vehicle models and rates remain undetermined. [ 3 ]
Korean automakers could see a relative benefit if duties raise Chinese EV prices in Britain, according to Kyunghyang Shinmun, which cited free-trade origin rules. An unnamed official at a Korean automaker told the paper that the main driver of Chinese EV sales growth in the UK is price, adding that “if tariffs are actually imposed, there will be a relative benefit.” The report noted that Leapmotor's B10 electric SUV lists at £31,495 before its own subsidies, £1,560 less than the Kia EV3 at £33,055. [ 3 ]
Почему это важно
The review marks a possible reversal for a market that had kept tariffs on Chinese EVs at 10% while the EU applies up to 45%, a gap that EU officials have said makes the UK a route into Europe. Korean automakers that meet free-trade origin rules could gain if duties raise Chinese EV prices in Britain, though an industry official attributed Chinese sales growth mainly to price.
Ключевые факты
- The UK is reviewing additional tariffs of up to about 45% on Chinese-made electric vehicles. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently ordered officials to prepare potential tariff options, Kyunghyang Shinmun reported, citing foreign media including the Financial Times. [ 3 ]
- Chosun Ilbo, citing The Times' report of Oct 4, put the top rate under consideration at 45.3%. [ 2 ]
- The EU currently applies tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese EVs while the UK applies 10%, according to Kyunghyang Shinmun. [ 3 ]
- Chinese brands including BYD, Chery, Changan and Jaecoo accounted for more than 20% of new cars registered in the UK last month, per the SMMT. [ 3 ]
- SNE Research data cited by Kyunghyang Shinmun showed BYD's European EV deliveries rose 76.5% in January-August from a year earlier, with Chery up 4.6 times and Leapmotor 5.5 times. [ 3 ]
- No decision has been made on whether to impose tariffs, and specific models and rates are not settled, Kyunghyang Shinmun reported. [ 3 ]
Подтверждено несколькими источниками
- The UK is reviewing or considering additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, at a level in the range of the EU's duties. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The review comes amid EU pressure on London over trade policy toward Chinese EVs. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The UK had not previously imposed additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, unlike the EU. [ 2 , 3 ]
Пока неясно
- Whether the UK will actually impose tariffs, and on which models and at which rates. Kyunghyang Shinmun says the decision and the specific models and rates have not been finalised; the reports describe only a review.
- The exact top tariff rate being considered. Chosun Ilbo cites up to 45.3%, while Kyunghyang Shinmun cites up to 45%, both referring to the EU level.
- Whether Korean automakers will see a measurable benefit. This rests on a single unnamed industry official who said there would be a relative gain if tariffs are imposed, and on the assumption that the UK proceeds.
Что пишут местные СМИ
Хронология, местное время
- Korea Economic Daily publishes a report saying the UK is reviewing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs under EU pressure (Oct 5). [ 1 ]
- Chosun Ilbo, citing The Times' report of Oct 4, says the UK is considering tariffs of up to 45.3% (Oct 6). [ 2 ]
- Kyunghyang Shinmun reports that Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has ordered officials to prepare potential tariff options (Oct 6). [ 3 ]