Earlier this month, the US Government announced that
they would introduce new tariffs following a ruling on
the Airbus dispute at the World Trade Organization. The
retaliatory measures are expected to include tariffs of
10% on aircraft, and 25% on a range of other products,
including single malt whisky and biscuits.
As part of ongoing engagement between DIT and
businesses who could be affected by the tariffs, the
International Trade Secretary reassured them that the
government is taking this issue seriously, had raised
it with the highest levels of the US administration and
will continue to do so until the tariffs are dropped.
Last week, the Prime Minister phoned President Trump to
underline his disappointment at the US announcement of
tariffs against UK and EU exports, pressing the
President not to impose the tariffs. On Tuesday, the
International Trade Secretary also spoke with US Trade
Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Speaking after today’s meeting, International Trade
Secretary said:
Resorting to tit-for-tat tariffs is not in any
country’s best interests and we are in regular
contact with the Trump administration, urging them to
refrain from resorting to such measures. As well as
causing temporary disruption to UK businesses, it
would also hit American consumers in the pocket.
The UK has complied fully with the WTO’s ruling on
the Airbus dispute and we do not believe our
industries should be subject to tariffs.
We are working closely with the US, EU and European
partners to support a negotiated settlement to the
Airbus and Boeing disputes.
A new UK-US Free Trade Agreement could provide an
avenue to avoid future trade disputes and negotiating
an FTA with the United States is one of the highest
priorities of the Secretary of State.
