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Trade Barriers: China

Asked by Callum AndersonLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 16 September 2025UIN 76723

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what trade barriers his Department has identified in the Chinese market in (a) healthcare, (b) automotive and (c) professional services sectors.

Answered by Chris Bryant

We have identified the following challenges: in healthcare, complex regulatory approval processes for medicines and medical devices; in automotive, certification requirements, consumption taxes and tariffs; and in professional services firms face restrictions on business operations, onerous licencing, data localisation requirements, and limited recognition of qualifications. We regularly raise market access issues with Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels and ministerial engagements, including during the Secretary of State's recent visit to China.

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