UK faces renewed import tariff from US
A government minister has insisted the UK is in a “better place” today, despite Donald Trump having renewed a 10 per cent import tariff on British goods, reports BritPanorama.
The US trade representative confirmed the US president will press ahead with a new import tariff after time-limited levies introduced by Trump in response to a Supreme Court defeat expire on Friday. This decision comes at a time when UK exports to the US are significant, valued at £66 billion in 2024, representing 17 per cent of all UK goods exports.
Junior housing minister Sally Jameson expressed confidence in the UK’s position, noting that certain tariffs on products such as whisky have been removed. “Well, we’re actually in a better place today than we were yesterday because things like whisky and medical technologies, the tariffs won’t apply,” she told Sky News.
Jameson further elaborated on the benefits of a deal negotiated with the US, suggesting that Britain has fared well under current arrangements. “But of course, conversations will always continue between officials and ministers, both here in the UK and in the US to make sure that we’re getting the best deal that we can,” she stated.
The US president announced in April that he would lift the whisky tariff following the King and Queen’s state visit. This removal was perceived as a positive development for the UK, offering potential advantages especially for Scottish producers. John Swinney has highlighted the “significant benefit” that the absence of the ten per cent tariff holds for them.
Ambassador Jamieson Greer is now imposing charges on Britain and 59 other countries based on claims they have not sufficiently enforced bans on items produced by forced labour. However, the UK may be eligible for exemptions on products that encourage compliance.
Jameson remarked, “I think that the UK has some of the strongest anti-forced labour laws in the world, and that’s something we can be proud of. But obviously, we’ve always got to look to do more.” The new tariffs were instituted just hours before the temporary levies, which Britain was previously facing, expired.
These temporary measures were put in place after the Supreme Court overturned Trump’s prior import tax regime in February. He is now seeking to establish a more enduring system under a 1974 trade law.
The Economic Prosperity Deal, established last year between the two nations, aimed to lessen the impact of US tariffs on UK industries while enhancing commercial relations. A government spokesperson reiterated that the tariff rate for UK businesses remains unchanged following this announcement. They confirmed, “The UK remains on a 10 per cent tariff rate and the preferential access secured under our agreement with the United States remains in place.”
Overall, the continuing dialogue between the UK and US on trade will be critical as both nations navigate these complex tariff issues.
