Recently, the EU officially imposed a five - year counter - subsidy duty on electric vehicles imported from China. This measure marks that the EU has adopted a more stringent trade - protectionist strategy in dealing with the competition in the global electric vehicle market. However, the UK has chosen not to follow the EUs footsteps, demonstrating a different orientation in trade policies. Practitioners in the UK automotive industry said that the governments decision is not only correct but also will promote mutual benefit and win - win results between China and the UK.

With the EUs decision to impose high counter - subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles officially taking effect, the UK has become one of the few European countries that have not taken the same measures. Representatives of the UK automotive industry strongly support this, believing that it helps maintain the fairness of market competition and promotes cooperation and development between the two countries in theNew energyfield.

Nick Villarcon, a salesperson of an electric vehicle of a Chinese brand in London, UK, with years of working experience, said in an interview with reporters: Chinese electric vehicles are reasonably priced and technologically advanced, and are highly praised among UK consumers. The UK governments decision not to impose tariffs helps achieve mutual benefit and win - win results between China and the UK. Nick further explained that regardless of the age and background of consumers, the feedback on Chinese - made electric vehicles in the market is very positive. My customers all feedback that (Chinese electric vehicles) are affordable, luxurious in appearance, and advanced in technology. I think the UK has made the right decision. Having Chinese products in the market means you can have more choices. On the other hand, this is beneficial to (China - UK) mutual benefit, because China is the worlds largest producer of lithium - ion batteries and a leader in the battery manufacturing industry. Why should we reject China? We should welcome China. I think this is a decision that benefits everyone.,

At the same time, Jack Perry, the chairman of the 48 Group Club in the UK, severely criticized the EUs decision in an interview with reporters. He pointed out that the EUs move is not only short - sighted but will also have a negative impact on the EU itself in the long run. I think the EUs decision is only a short - term solution and will bring long - term problems. The EUs development speed will slow down, and it will not be able to keep up with the world in the fields of renewable energy and high - quality development. I think the EU will lose its development momentum, and in the long run, consumers will pay a higher price. Such a policy may seem to help the EUs internal market at first glance, but it is not forward - looking. Perry emphasized that by imposing tariffs, the EU attempts to protect its domestic industry, but in fact, it may limit market diversity and consumers choices, and hinder technological progress and innovation.

The previous decision of the European Commission aimed to curb the rapid growth of Chinese electric vehicles in the European market, believing that the subsidy measures of the Chinese government for the electric vehicle industry have led to unfair competition. According to the EUs investigation results, the European Commission decided to impose counter - subsidy duties ranging from 17% to 35.3% on Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, and SAIC Motor, in order to protect the EUs domestic electric vehicle industry from unfair competition. However, this measure has triggered a strong protest from the Chinese government, which has appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing the EU of violating trade rules and engaging in trade - protectionist behavior.

In sharp contrast to the EUs harsh measures, the UK has chosen a path of openness and cooperation and refused to impose tariffs on Chinese - made electric vehicles. This decision has not only received widespread support within the industry but also reflects the UK governments firm belief in global trade rules and market openness. By maintaining a low - tariff policy for Chinese - made electric vehicles, the UK hopes to attract more high - quality electric vehicles into its domestic market, promote the diversity of consumer choices, and support technological cooperation and industrial development between China and the UK in the new energy field.

Economists generally believe that the UKs position will help enhance its competitiveness in the global electric vehicle market and avoid market fluctuations and supply - chain disruption risks brought about by trade wars. Ana Luiza Lodi, an analyst at StoneX Group, pointed out: The UKs decision not to follow the EU in imposing tariffs demonstrates its flexibility and forward - looking vision in the global trade environment. Such a policy helps maintain market stability, avoid the negative impacts of trade protectionism, and promote in - depth cooperation between China and the UK in the new energy field.,

In addition, experts in the UK automotive industry also pointed out that maintaining an open trade policy helps promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have significant advantages in battery technology and production efficiency. Through cooperation with UK companies, the progress of electric vehicle technology and market penetration can be accelerated. By keeping the market open, the UK can not only provide consumers with more choices but also promote cooperation between domestic industries and international leading companies, enhancing the overall industrial competitiveness. said a practitioner in the UK automotive industry.

However, although the UKs decision has received support from some in the industry, there are also some voices worried that this may exacerbate trade differences with the EU and affect the overall trade relationship between the UK and the EU. How to strike a balance between safeguarding its own interests and maintaining a good relationship with the EU will become an important issue for the UK government to face.

As the US presidential election approaches, Trumps threat to impose tariffs on China has added more uncertainties to the global trade environment. Trump has repeatedly promised during his election campaign that if elected, he will impose high tariffs on imported goods from China to protect the US domestic industry. However, if this policy comes true, it may trigger a trade war between China and the US, which will in turn affect the global supply chain and international trade order. Economists warn that a trade war will severely impact the global economy, especially industries dependent on exports and enterprises in the international supply chain.

Against this background, the UKs choice not to follow the EUs tariff measures demonstrates its independence and strategic thinking in global trade policies. By adhering to openness and cooperation, the UK hopes to play an active role in the global trade system, promote the implementation of multilateral trade agreements, and contribute to the stability and prosperity of the global economy. At the same time, the UK government is actively seeking cooperation opportunities with China in the fields of new energy and high - tech, promoting the deepening and diversified development of bilateral trade relations.

Overall, the EUs decision to impose counter - subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles, although aiming to protect its domestic industry, may trigger a series of chain reactions in todays increasingly globalized and competitive market, affecting international trade relations and global economic stability. The UKs choice provides another possibility. By adhering to openness and cooperation, it seeks to promote the healthy development of international trade while protecting its domestic industry. In the future, when formulating trade policies, countries need to pay more attention to balancing their own interests with the coordination of the global market. Through dialogue and cooperation, they should avoid the negative impacts of trade protectionism and jointly promote the sustainable development of the global economy.