High-level diplomatic talks are underway after Donald Trump announced a global tariff increase to 15%, raising fresh uncertainty for British exporters.
The UK Government says it is aiming to secure the “strongest possible trading position” for British firms amid what ministers describe as an evolving situation.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said businesses may face short-term uncertainty but insisted Britain expects preferential trade treatment to continue.
The US president confirmed he would impose a 15% worldwide tariff “effective immediately” after the Supreme Court of the United States struck down his earlier import duty policy.
The move follows his signing of an executive order allowing global tariffs under emergency economic powers legislation.
Trump criticised the court ruling as “anti-American” and said the higher rate was necessary.
The British Chambers of Commerce expressed concern that the policy could raise costs across a wide range of UK exports to the United States.
Trade policy head William Bain said firms on both sides of the Atlantic need stability.
“A period of clarity and certainty is essential. Higher tariffs are not the answer,” he said.
British officials are holding intensive discussions with the White House.
Phillipson said there are:
- Ongoing conversations at senior government levels
- Efforts to protect UK national and commercial interests
- Continued focus on long-standing UK-US strategic cooperation
She stressed that Britain’s relationship with the US is built on decades of security and economic partnership, not individual leaders.
Earlier arrangements between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump included:
- Reduced tariff exposure for UK steel producers
- Car manufacturing carve-outs
- Baseline preferential import rate of 10%
Government officials believe the majority of UK–US trade may still be protected, though uncertainty remains.
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick criticised blanket tariffs, calling them harmful to global trade.
He said Britain “can ill afford” measures that restrict commerce during the current economic pressures.
Ministers say they are working to ensure British businesses retain competitive access to the US market while negotiations continue.
Officials emphasised that the UK’s objective is to secure the “best possible deal” for exporters.
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