Businesses will shape the UK’s response to US tariffs announced overnight, as part of plans announced by the Business and Trade Secretary today.
Following the 10% reciprocal tariffs on a range of products announced by the Trump administration yesterday, UK companies are being invited to give their views on a potential UK response, by providing feedback to questions asking them the average value of their US imports, the impact of any possible UK tariffs and how they would adjust to them.
The Business and Trade Secretary has also today published an indicative list of goods imported from the US that may be considered in a future UK response.
This makes it clear to businesses that the Government would not consider products in the wider public interest issues such as medical supplies and military equipment.
It marked the next stage in the Government’s ongoing preparations and negotiations with the US on the economic relationship between both the countries.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The best interests of British business has shaped our approach throughout as we prepare for all scenarios, which is why we are asking them for their views on how these tariffs impact their operations and day-to-day lives.
“Our cool-headed, pragmatic approach means that talks with the US will continue to reflect our mandate to deliver economic stability, as we press the case for a trading relationship that supports businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, and reflects our Plan for Change and the best interests of the UK public.”
The Business Secretary and Ministers across Government have been engaging with business organisations and companies from across the economy, including sectors like steel, automotive and food, and other companies who export a high number of goods to the US and stand to be affected by any tariffs.
They will continue to meet a broad range of businesses in the coming days to provide support.
The four-week request for input launched today and is open until 1st May.
Once the request for input closes, the Government said it will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
