Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held a video call with UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds to discuss economic and trade issues including electric vehicles (EVs), following Beijing's warning against British restrictions on Chinese EVs.
Wang spoke with Reynolds on November 11 at the latter's request, China's Ministry of Commerce said in a brief statement on Thursday. The 2 sides discussed economic and trade issues of mutual concern.
The readout did not disclose either side's specific position on EVs or mention any tariff arrangements, policy changes or agreements.
The call came as Britain weighs its trade policy toward Chinese EVs. London is seeking closer industrial cooperation with the European Union, while Chinese automakers continue to expand sales and investment in the UK.
China's commerce ministry said on October 19 that cooperation between the Chinese and British auto industries was complementary, equal and mutually beneficial. It urged Britain to abide by World Trade Organization rules and avoid following the EU in restricting Chinese EVs.
Beijing warned at the time that it would take firm countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industry if Britain proceeded with restrictions.
The EU has demanded that Britain raise import tariffs on Chinese EVs, linking the treatment of British goods under its "Made in Europe" policy to trade policy alignment, the Financial Times reported on September 25.
Britain did not follow the EU in imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs in 2024. In October that year, the EU introduced definitive countervailing duties on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China for a period of 5 years.
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