British Chambers of Commerce: Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 08:44

Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “While a new 10 per cent tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some relief it shows how difficult it is for businesses to plan ahead. “It is far from clear what will happen next, and whether a higher tariff rate is still on the way. Despite the immediate reprieve,...Request free trial

Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“While a new 10 per cent tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some relief it shows how difficult it is for businesses to plan ahead.

“It is far from clear what will happen next, and whether a higher tariff rate is still on the way. Despite the immediate reprieve, there is fresh uncertainty for UK firms exporting goods to the US.

“This makes it very difficult for firms to understand the prices and margins they will be able to secure for their goods, currently under production, for export in several months' time. Inevitably this will have an impact on their sales and hit the economy.

“The BCC has provided government with a six-point plan to guard against the worst economic outcomes from the new tariffs and potential further hikes.

“This includes continued negotiation with the US government, engagement with the US Congress, an uplift in UK Export Finance capacity and reviewing the UK's Global Tariffs.

“The risk of further tariff pain to come is still real and the government must do everything it can to prepare for the worst.”

What has happened overnight?

As of 0501 GMT this morning (Tuesday 24 February), new US tariff arrangements under section 122 of the Trade Act 1974 came into effect for the next 150 days. These affect goods leaving UK ports bound for the US, which are not covered by the UK's Economic Prosperity Deal.

A rate of 10% will apply on top of the US' most favoured nation duties for individual products. The uplift to 15% as announced on Saturday has yet to be implemented by President Trump, but the risk of this tariff still remainsand could be introduced at any time.

This would add a further 5% hike in duties for applicable UK goods if it is applied.

The new 10% tariffs expire on 24 July unless renewed by an Act of Congress.

The BCC has put a six-point plan to Government to guard against risks to UK exporters of the new tariff system and to support firms should the uplift to 15% US tariffs be implemented soon.