Burnham 'poised to join EU imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars' after surge in sales of 'Temu Range Rover'

Published: 05:12 EDT, 5 October 2026 | Updated: 05:14 EDT, 5 October 2026 Andy Burnham looks poised to join the EU in imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars.The PM is said to be drawing up potential levies to counter concerns from Brussels that Beijing is using the UK as a 'back door' for state-subsidised vehicles.Britain is one of the few major countries that does not have tough tariffs on EVs from the Asian superpower, with the US market virtually closed off and the EU charging 45 per cent.The Government has so far resisted to avoid angering China, with imports proving extremely popular among consumers. Temu Range Rover: The Jaecoo 7 topped the new car sales chart last month - as it also did in March. Latest registrations figures show Chinese cars are taking over the UK marketFigures for September showed the Jaecoo 7 - commonly referred to as the 'Temu Range Rover' - has topped the new-car sales charts for the second time in 2026.The SUV, which earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the Range Rover Velar while costing around half the price, secured 10,813 deliveries in the bumper sales month, more than any other new model.Nearly a quarter of cars sold in the UK this September were Chinese models. Mr Burnham is scrambling to thrash out a deal for closer ties with the EU ahead of a crunch summit with Ursula von der Leyen next month.Fears are mounting that Brussels will insist on deep concessions for improved trade terms, after the PM hinted that he wants to rejoin the bloc. Mr Burnham is scrambling to thrash out a deal for closer ties with the EU ahead of a crunch summit with Ursula von der Leyen next monthThe EU has been making clear to ministers that unless tariffs are imposed on Chinese vehicles there is no chance the UK can get an exemption from the 'Made in Europe' scheme.That would risk major damage to British car exports to European markets.However, the prospect of retaliation from China is also a worry, as it is a major market for Jaguar Land Rover. Labour MP and business committee chair Liam Byrne said: 'I'm glad to hear ministers are readying options to levy China tariffs. 'We've been warning about China Shock 2.0 for some time - competition is good: but we need a level playing field.' Responding to the latest reports in the Times, a Government spokesman said: 'We have not put tariffs on Chinese EVs.'We continue to engage closely with industry so that our approach reflects the sector's and UK's national interests.'