US Tariffs: UK Seeks Steel & Aluminium Exemption
- Amid rising concerns over global steel trade, trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to meet with his U.S.counterpart next week to negotiate a timeline for exempting the UK...
- Reynolds will meet Jamieson Greer at the OECD meeting in Paris.
- A UK government spokesperson affirmed the commitment to safeguarding British business and jobs in key sectors, including steel.
The UK is urgently seeking exemption from escalating US steel and aluminum tariffs, with Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds scheduled to meet his US counterpart in Paris. With President Trump’s decision to double tariffs – from 25% to 50% – on the horizon, the pressure is on to clarify the implications for British businesses and jobs. Their focus: securing a timeline for the UK’s exclusion from these import taxes, especially in light of a recent US-UK trade deal. The UK government is committed to protecting its key sectors, which will be discussed at the OECD meeting. The EU is watching closely too, and News Directory 3 is following this fast-developing story.What steps will be taken if the UK isn’t exempt? Discover what’s next.
UK Pushes for Steel Tariff Exemption Amid US Increase
Amid rising concerns over global steel trade, trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to meet with his U.S.counterpart next week to negotiate a timeline for exempting the UK from increased U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs. The move follows President Trump’s announcement to double tariffs from 25% to 50%, effective June 4.
Reynolds will meet Jamieson Greer at the OECD meeting in Paris. Their discussion will center on implementing a previously agreed deal aimed at lowering tariffs on steel, aluminium, automobiles, and other products. British officials are seeking clarity on the full implications of Trump’s tariff decision.
A UK government spokesperson affirmed the commitment to safeguarding British business and jobs in key sectors, including steel. “the UK was the first country to secure a trade deal with the US earlier this month and we remain committed to protecting British business and jobs across key sectors, including steel,” the spokesperson said. “We are engaging with the US on the implications of the latest tariff announcement and to provide clarity for industry.”
Earlier this month, trump and Keir Starmer announced a US-UK trade deal that would reduce tariffs on British steel and aluminium to zero. The agreement also included a reduction in tariffs on up to 100,000 British cars annually, decreasing them from 25% to 10%. The recent tariff increase on steel and aluminium threatens to undermine this progress.
“The UK was the first country to secure a trade deal with the US earlier this month and we remain committed to protecting British business and jobs across key sectors, including steel.”
— UK government spokesperson
the European Commission has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s decision, warning of potential countermeasures. A spokesperson stated that the tariff increase introduces further uncertainty into the global economy and raises costs for businesses and consumers.The EU is prepared to impose countermeasures if a mutually acceptable solution is not reached.
What’s next
If no resolution is found, the EU’s existing and additional measures will automatically take effect on July 14, or earlier if circumstances require, perhaps escalating trade tensions further.