Wire flash
PoliticsTrump imposes 10% tariff on UK goods, early test for new PM Burnham
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
US President Donald Trump has imposed a new 10% tariff on British goods entering the United States, making the UK one of 60 countries targeted. The Trump administration justified the tariffs by claiming these nations have not adequately enforced bans on goods produced by forced labor. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the action aims to correct human rights abuses and trade distortions. The move presents an early challenge for new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country. The tariffs were announced just hours before previous temporary levies were set to expire. A UK government spokesperson downplayed the impact, stating the tariff rate remains unchanged and that preferential access under the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal remains in place. The spokesperson also noted the US has recognized UK efforts on forced labor, resulting in no additional tariffs for the UK.
Source report
Donald Trump has imposed a new 10% tariff on British goods entering the United States, presenting an early challenge for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Britain is among 60 countries facing the import charges, which the Trump administration says are being introduced over claims that the targeted nations have not done enough to enforce bans on items produced by forced labour.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated:
"The United States has had a forced labour import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it. It's well past time for our trading partners to do the same."
>
"Today's action will begin to correct what is both a human rights abuse and distortive trade practice to improve the welfare of workers everywhere."
>
"I am encouraged by the trading partners who have moved quickly to adopt forced labour import prohibitions, and look forward to ensuring their effective enforcement."
Background
- Tariffs previously imposed by Trump were ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court, leading to the introduction of temporary levies.
- The latest tariffs were announced just hours before those levies expired.
- The move is a blow for the UK, which exports more to America than to any other single country.
- Trump's decision risks angering US voters, most of whom do not support the tariff regime because it makes imported goods more expensive.
Economic Context
The Economic Prosperity Deal agreed between the US and the UK last year aimed to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on UK industries and deepen commercial ties between the two countries.
Government Response
A government spokesperson said:
"There is no change to the tariff rate facing UK businesses as a result of this announcement."
>
"The UK remains on a 10% tariff rate and the preferential access secured under our agreement with the United States remains in place."
>
"We take forced labour very seriously and ensure that in global supply chains UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour and human rights violations."
>
"The US has recognised the steps the UK is taking, which is why there are no additional tariffs for the UK under this announcement."
Listen to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week's biggest stories to keep you informed.
Source
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Western
Part of this Story
Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on UK Goods, Posing Early Challenge for PM Andy Burnham