EU reportedly links UK trade access to higher China tariffs

Brussels reportedly told UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham that Britain would need to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align more closely with European Union trade policy to avoid barriers under proposed “Made in Europe” rules, according to people familiar with the discussions. The reported message also presented joining the EU customs union as a possible way to secure equal treatment for British products, but the account has not been independently verified and no formal UK agreement was reported. The proposed rules are intended to favour EU manufacturers in areas including subsidies and public procurement, as the bloc seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese components. The reported conditions could affect British exports to the EU, including cars and automotive parts, which are integrated into European supply chains. The customs-union option was described to London as the best solution for ensuring UK products received equal treatment under the rules, according to the account.