UK 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 what any future UK response
should look like 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 marks the next stage in the government's
ongoing preparations and negotiations with the US on our economic
relationship.
Business and Trade Secretary 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 widely 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 and set out the Government's priority of
defending the interests of UK
industry.
The four-week Request for Input launched today and open until
Thursday 1 May continues the Government's engagement with a wide
range of UK sectors in response to tariffs, its commitment to
working in the national interest and delivering economic
stability, and its support of the UK public and businesses as
part of its Plan for Change.
Once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on
the feedback and consider how best to respond.
While preparing for all scenarios, this Government's priority
remains strengthening its relationship with the US through an
economic prosperity deal, and both countries will continue to
have constructive discussions in the coming weeks to agree
this.
Notes to Editors
· The Business and Trade
Secretary updated the House earlier today to set out the UK's next steps on US
tariffs.
· Further information for
businesses exporting to the US can be found here.
· Further information on the
Request for Input and an indicative list of potential products in
scope of any future UK tariff response can be found here.
