Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds discussed electric vehicles during a video call on November 11, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce. The call was held at Reynolds’ request and covered economic and trade issues of mutual concern.
The ministry’s brief readout did not disclose either side’s specific position on EV trade. It also did not mention tariff arrangements, policy changes or agreements resulting from the discussion.
The talks come as Britain weighs its trade policy toward Chinese EVs while seeking closer industrial cooperation with the European Union. On October 19, China’s commerce ministry described cooperation between the Chinese and British automotive industries as complementary, equal and mutually beneficial. It urged Britain to follow World Trade Organization rules and avoid adopting EU restrictions on Chinese EVs. Beijing also warned that it would take firm countermeasures if Britain imposed restrictions.
The Financial Times reported on September 25 that the EU had demanded higher British import tariffs on Chinese EVs, linking the treatment of British goods under its “Made in Europe” policy to closer alignment on trade policy. Britain did not join the EU in imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024.
The EU introduced definitive countervailing duties on battery electric vehicles imported from China for a five-year period in October 2024. The additional duties range from 7.8% to 35.3%. Combined with the existing standard import tariff of 10%, the maximum total rate is 45.3%.
Chinese automakers are continuing to expand in Britain. Geely Auto said on October 19 that it had signed its hundredth UK retail outlet and exceeded 10,000 cumulative registrations after 11 months in the market. Chery plans to introduce its iCar brand under the overseas name iCaur, with British sales scheduled to begin in early 2027.
China’s new energy vehicle exports rose about 140% year-on-year to 606,000 units in October, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Domestic NEV sales declined 8.6% to 1.334 million units during the same month.
China NEV exports rise about 140% in October
The 2 sides’ November 11 call disclosed no deal; Geely reached its hundredth UK outlet in less than 1 year and exceeded 10,000 registrations after 11 months.
Green marks export growth; red marks the domestic contraction, showing overseas demand offsetting pressure in China’s home market.
Source: CnEVPost
