Britain could pay a heavy price if it fails to crackdown on Chinese EVs

The European Union has joined the United States and Canada in slapping tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs). It’s a rare moment of transatlantic unity – but where does it leave Britain? For now, the UK remains the awkward man in the room. It is the only G7 country not to have imposed tariffs on Chinese EVs (or, in the case of Japan, which already has arduous non-tariff barriers to deter foreign automotive companies from entering its markets.) 

Many will rightly question the silence from Whitehall. The UK’s omission from a coordinated attempt to stem China’s excess manufacturing capacity and stop cheap Chinese EVs flooding Western markets will only make our country a greater target. 

Britain’s misguided approach appears to be driven in part by a desire to prioritise economic growth, ambitious net-zero targets, and optimistic outcomes of two planned bilateral trips to Beijing for the Foreign Secretary and Chancellor over the next few months.