{
  "id": 12898849,
  "title": "Germany wants UK to raise tariffs on Chinese EVs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/germany-wants-uk-to-raise-tariffs-on-chinese-evs",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-08T14:15:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-uk-raise-tariff-china-electric-vehicle/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Germany is urging the UK to increase tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in exchange for protection from Made in Europe rules, according to a source with knowledge of Berlin’s position. Friedrich Merz’s government considers this move to be a gesture of reciprocity on trade and a response to accusations from other EU member states that Britain is attempting to benefit from EU membership while avoiding its obligations. This development comes as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his first official visit to Germany this week. The pair are set to discuss the future relationship between Britain and the EU, following Burnham’s recent proposal to revisit the idea of rejoining the bloc for the first time in a decade. Germany’s stance on EV tariffs is significant, as the country has generally favored a lenient approach to trade with the UK since Brexit, unlike more hardline countries such as France. The EU is currently drafting new Made in Europe rules that prioritize European producers over non-EU competitors, in response to trade practices by nations like China and the United States. The UK is concerned that these measures could negatively impact British businesses, particularly automakers, and is seeking assurances from Brussels that it will receive an opt-out. Should Berlin's demands be met, these assurances may hinge on the UK adopting similar trade policies with regard to Chinese EVs. Germany’s automotive industry, a key pillar of the country’s economy, has faced increasing competition from Chinese imports in recent years. In December 2024, the EU imposed countervailing duties of up to 35.3 percent on some Chinese EV manufacturers, accusing them of engaging in a \"predatory strategy\" with state subsidies amounting to €10,000 per vehicle. The UK’s Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has stated that the government is closely reviewing tariffs and that different sectors within the UK have varying policy preferences. Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for European relations, expressed surprise at reports that tariffs might be a condition for EU opt-outs, stating that such discussions are not part of his current conversations with European counterparts. Implementing higher tariffs could potentially alienate Beijing, which has expressed serious concerns about the proposed policy. Additionally, it may lead to increased costs for electric vehicles in the market, potentially hindering the government's efforts to achieve its decarbonization objectives.",
  "summary": "Berlin wants the measure as a condition of a Made in Europe opt-out for the U.K.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}