# UK weighs tariffs on Chinese electric cars to protect EU supply ties

*Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds evaluates import duties of up to 45% as Brussels threatens to exclude British carmakers from European manufacturing programs.*

**Published:** October 7, 2026  
**By:** Mina Okoro  
**Section:** Trade & Industrial Policy — Cross-border  
**Format:** Policy Tracker  
**Confidence:** medium  
**Source:** https://eastasiabrief.com/trade-policy/uk-weighs-tariffs-chinese-electric-cars-protect-eu-supply-571  
**Publisher:** East Asia Brief (https://eastasiabrief.com/)

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## What to know

- UK reviews matching EU tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese EVs after imports topped 300,000 units
- EU market absorbed 58% of UK car exports in early 2026, while China took 4%
- EU ministers review Made in Europe local content requirements in December 2026

![A factory worker handles an electric vehicle battery pack on an automobile assembly line. (AI-generated image)](https://eastasiabrief.com/media/2026-10-06-b90fe7bd6a9e.webp)
*A factory worker handles an electric vehicle battery pack on an automobile assembly line. (AI-generated image)*

The United Kingdom government confirmed Oct. 5 it is reviewing import duties on Chinese electric vehicles, following pressure from European trade officials to match the European Union's border measures.

A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said the government had imposed no new tariffs yet, but remains in discussions with domestic automakers over protecting British commercial interests.

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Cite as: East Asia Brief, "UK weighs tariffs on Chinese electric cars to protect EU supply ties," October 7, 2026. https://eastasiabrief.com/trade-policy/uk-weighs-tariffs-chinese-electric-cars-protect-eu-supply-571