Downing Street promised Donald Trump that he could continue to negotiate a trade agreement with the United States, although he brought 10% tariff to British imports.
The President also confirmed that all foreign cars sold to the United States would slap a 25% tariff – effectively extra tax – with a movement that risks thousands of British businesses.
Trump announced the controversial moves at a White House press conference.
“2 April 2025 will be remembered on the day of the rebellion of the American industry, the day when the fate of America was regained and we started to enrich America again forever.”
In response to the announcement, a Downing Street source pointed out that the British tariff is much less than imposed on other countries and that half of 20% was slapped from the EU.
The source said: “We don’t want any tariffs, but we don’t want a lower tax than others. It confirms our approach. It is important because the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of work.
“We will continue to negotiate, keep cool and stay calm. To negotiate a sustainable trade agreement and of course to reduce tariffs. Tomorrow we will continue to work.”
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The US is our closest ally, so our approach is to stay calm and to be determined to make this agreement, which will reduce the influence of those declared today.
“We have a series of vehicles and we will not hesitate to take action. We will continue to interact with the UK enterprises, including the impact of other steps.
“Nobody wants a trade war and our intention remains to make an agreement. But nothing is from the table, and the government will do everything necessary to defend Britain’s national interests.”
Shadow Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Silver lining means that Brexit, in which labor ministers voted less than 48, is much lower than the EU: a Brexit dividend that will protect thousands of British work and business.
“President Trump has shown that Britain’s fan and the negotiations in the government want to make an agreement. Labor should swallow their pride, put Britain in the first place, and return the negotiation table to make a fair agreement to protect both the UK and the United States.”
Lib Donald Trump launched a destructive trade war that threatens the work and living standards of people in the UK and the world.
Uz We must finish this trade war as quickly as possible – and this means to stand firm against our allies and Trump’s attempts to divide and manage.
“The Prime Minister should combine our British community and European partners in a willing coalition against Trump’s tariffs by using retaliation tariffs when necessary and sign as much new trade agreements as possible.
“If the government gives Trump’s threats, it will encourage him to use the same bullying tactics over and over again.”
