China's Ministry of Commerce warned Britain on Monday against following the European Union's lead on restrictions targeting Chinese electric vehicles, and said it would take firm countermeasures if the UK went ahead.

Automotive cooperation between China and Britain draws on complementary strengths and delivers mutual benefits on an equal footing, the ministry said in a statement reported by CnEVPost. It urged Britain to comply with World Trade Organization rules and "think twice before acting, rather than follow the EU's lead."

China Warns UK Against Imposing EV Restrictions in Line With EU

The warning followed comments from UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar, who said Britain and the EU must act in lockstep to address China's dominance in the auto sector, Politico reported on Oct. 15. Asked whether the UK was considering tariffs on Chinese EVs, Sarwar said discussions with European partners were continuing, without giving rates or a timeline. London is lobbying to get British businesses included in the EU's "Made in Europe" program.

The UK did not join the EU when Brussels imposed definitive countervailing duties on Chinese battery electric vehicles in October 2024. Those duties ranged from 7.8% to 35.3% on top of the standard 10% import tariff, for a top combined rate of 45.3%.