12.03.2025 14:31
U.S. President Donald Trump has begun imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from the United Kingdom and the European Union. The UK government and the EU have responded differently to this situation. While the UK has adopted a calm approach, the EU has started to implement retaliatory tariffs. The UK's steel industry has warned that these tariffs will further strain an already struggling sector.
U.S. President Donald Trump has begun imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from the United Kingdom and the European Union. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's diplomatic efforts and phone calls have been in vain.
The EU immediately implemented retaliatory tariffs, while the UK government is taking a more cautious approach. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated, "We are focused on negotiating a more comprehensive economic agreement with the U.S. Instead of rushing to respond, we are adopting a calm approach."
UK Steel Chief Executive Gareth Stace described the situation as "extremely disappointing": "These tariffs have come at the worst possible time for our steel industry, which is already struggling with high energy costs and low demand."
The UK exported 166,433 tons of steel to the U.S. in 2023. The U.S. is the largest market for the British steel sector after the EU.
Chancellor James Murray said, "We are in a different position from the EU following the Prime Minister's visit to Washington last month. These tariffs have fallen in the middle of our ongoing negotiations."
Representatives of the British business community are warning that reciprocal tariffs could easily escalate into a full-blown trade war and argue that continuing negotiations would be beneficial for both sides.