Newspaper: EU urges UK to lift tariffs on Chinese cars

Brussels, September 25 (KUNA) -- The British newspaper Financial Times revealed on Friday that the European Union has urged UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to raise tariffs on Chinese cars and align more closely with the EU’s trade policy to avoid imposing restrictions on major British exports under the “Made in Europe” rules. The newspaper stated that the EU told London, in response to its demands for equal treatment of British products, that joining the European Customs Union represents the optimal solution to address these issues. Citing a European official, the newspaper quoted him as saying, “The Customs Union would resolve most of the problems associated with the ‘Made in Europe’ rules, as well as the issue of differing tariffs, which raises concerns that China might circumvent imposed tariffs by routing its products through the United Kingdom.” Earlier this week, Burnham announced his intention to push for Britain to be considered a “trusted partner” under the EU-proposed “Made in Europe” rules, warning that excluding the UK could harm the British automotive industry. The “Made in Europe” policy aims to reduce reliance on Chinese components by prioritizing goods manufactured in Europe. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in her State of the Union address to the European Parliament, announced that the bloc would use all available tools to curb its “unsustainable” trade deficit with China. (End) Arn / T.M.A