The United Kingdom (UK) has no plans to follow the European Union’s (EU) decision to impose import duties on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told reporters on the sidelines of the International Investment Summit in London this week.

Earlier this month EU member states voted in favour of proposals by the European Commission (EC) to impose new tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China, following a year-long investigation into Chinese state subsidies.

The conference, held at London’s Guildhall on Monday, brought together leaders of global technology, industry and investment corporations to discuss investment opportunities in the UK. The government claimed the one-day was a success, with investment pledges totaling GBP63bn.

Jonathan Reynolds said the UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) had not received any complaints from the UK automotive industry in relation to Chinese BEV imports and that his office would not seek to follow the EU in imposing new import duties. He pointed out “we keep it under close analysis, but I think it's important our industry is different, and as of yet industry itself hasn't asked for that referral to the TRA.”