LONDON — The United Kingdom is prepared to impose tariffs on American imports if it cannot negotiate a deal that frees it from U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff policies. In a recent move, the British government has requested input from businesses on which products should be targeted to minimize the impact on U.K. companies.
This call for feedback was made public alongside a comprehensive 417-page list detailing potential goods subject to tariffs. British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that the U.K. would “not hesitate to act” after Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on U.K. products entering the U.S., effective April 5. Trump also confirmed the implementation of a 25 percent tariff on car imports as of today, alongside an existing 25 percent duty on steel and aluminum, initiated in March.
Consultation with industry stakeholders
Although the U.K. government has expressed that it does not intend to retaliate immediately, it is holding out hope for an economic agreement that would exempt British exporters from these tariffs. During a session with Members of Parliament on Thursday, Reynolds emphasized that the government would consult with industry representatives regarding potential retaliatory measures if an agreement cannot be reached. He characterized this initiative as a “formal step, necessary for us to keep all options on the table.”
The British government has not disclosed specific products that would be targeted for tariffs, instead opting to gather opinions from businesses regarding potential items. However, it has explicitly ruled out imposing duties on essential products such as medical supplies and military equipment.
“We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response,” Reynolds remarked. “This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say, and influence the design of any possible UK response.”
Potential goods for tariffs and historical context
The preliminary list of potential tariff targets includes a variety of goods such as steel, meat, dairy products, car parts, and specific chemicals and materials. Interestingly, some less conventional items on the list range from pure-bred breeding horses to fish waste, toilet paper, and gloves that are “impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with rubber, knitted or crocheted.”
This approach signifies a shift from the U.K.’s previous strategy during the Trump administration, when it adopted tariffs carried over from the European Union on iconic American products like Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Levi’s jeans, and Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Should the U.K. manage to secure an economic agreement that alleviates these tariffs, Reynolds indicated that “the request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from that, will be lifted.” He expressed optimism about the potential for a deal, highlighting that it could be mutually beneficial for both nations, with opportunities for enhanced cooperation in sectors like defense, economic security, financial services, machinery, technology, and regulation.