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PoliticsTrump Imposes 10% Tariff on UK Goods, Posing Early Challenge for PM Burnham
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US President Donald Trump has imposed a new 10% tariff on British goods entering America, one of 60 countries targeted over claims of insufficient enforcement of bans on forced labour products. The move presents an early challenge for new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the action aims to correct human rights abuses and trade distortions. The tariffs were announced just hours before previous temporary levies expired. The UK, which exports more to the US than any other country, faces a blow, though a UK government spokesperson insisted there is no change to the existing 10% tariff rate and that preferential access under the Economic Prosperity Deal remains. The decision risks angering US voters who largely oppose tariffs due to higher import costs.
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 one of 60 countries affected by 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."
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 also risks angering US voters, most of whom do not support the tariff regime because it makes imported goods more expensive.
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."
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Source
HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)Western
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Trump Imposes 10% Tariff on UK Goods, Posing Early Challenge for PM Andy Burnham