The UK business secretary said Donald Trump’s decision to impose global tariffs on steel and aluminum as “disappointing” is on the table to accommodate national interests.
The UK resisted taking immediate retaliation measures against the move, but the EU has already announced that it will introduce measures on US products.
Trump’s tariffs fall on steel and aluminum
The tariff came into effect around 4am in the US midnight, increasing its steel and aluminum obligations to enter the US to 25%.
Jonathan Reynolds said:
“We are focusing on a practical approach, and are rapidly negotiating a broader economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and benefit UK businesses and the economy.
“On the other hand, we remain determined in support of the UK industry. This government is working with affected companies today and I am supporting the industry’s application to the Trade Relief Bureau to investigate further steps needed to protect UK producers.
“I will continue to be closely and productively involved with the US and sue the UK’s business interests. We will not hesitate to keep all options on the table and respond to the national interest,” he added.
The EU responds to Trump’s tariffs
Brussels said a counterargument against tariffs affecting EU exports of around 26 billion euros (£22 billion) would be introduced in April to “define European interests.”
In a statement, the European Commission described the US measures as “unfair trade restrictions.”
“We are responding with measures worth $26 billion as the United States applies tariffs worth $28 billion,” said the chairman of the Ursula von der Reyen Committee.
British officials have stressed the need for a “cool approach” after the final ditch effort to persuade Trump to save him from his global tariffs seemed to have failed.
Gareth Stace, director of the UK Steel at the Trade Association, was “very disappointed” by the Trump administration’s move.
He added: “President Trump must certainly recognize that Britain is an ally, not an enemy. Our steel sector is not a threat to the US, but a partner of its key customers, and shares the same values and purpose in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair transactions.
“These tariffs were not coming at a bad time for the UK steel industry. We fought against high energy costs and suppressed demand at home, against an oversupported and increasingly protectionist global landscape. Furthermore, the EU is also pushing for trade restrictions measures that amplify the impact of US tariffs.”
Stace added: “It is essential that the UK government not only continue its efforts to negotiate exemptions with the US, but also take decisive action to strengthen trade defense. We appreciate all the efforts that have been made so far and continue to work closely with the government to ensure the best possible outcome.”
Aluminum industry groups have warned that the looming tax was already effective, but the Unity Coalition has urged the government to immediately designate steel produced in the UK as a vital national infrastructure.
Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, said: “The UK aluminum sector has already seen the initial impact of these tariffs.
“The sharp rise in US premiums has created new incentives for scrap exports and increased the risk of significant domestic scrap leakage, which not only weakens the UK’s recycling capacity, but also undermines sustainability and circular economy goals.
“In addition, the uncertainty regarding potential trade diversion puts considerable pressure on British producers, particularly as semi-finished goods may be flooded with low cost in the UK market.”
“Our government must take decisive action to protect the steel industry and its workers following the announcement of US tariffs,” said Principal Sharon Graham, who was united.
“This is a national security issue. Steel must be immediately designated as a critical national infrastructure to ensure proper protection.”
William Bain, director of trade policy at the UK Chamber of Commerce, said the decision is surged for both countries “in a new era of uncertainty.”
But he warned against a series of “tatt-like” tariffs that could “be easily spiral into an all-out trade war.”
“We must live out the consultation and retaliatory tariffs should only be used as a last resort. If the lecture is successful, it will be beneficial to both parties, bringing a welcoming stability and economic situation of both parties to promote growth.”
The issue was discussed on Monday in a call between Prime Minister Kiel Starmer and Trump, and ministers and officials have been talking frequently with their US counterparts since it was first proposed in February.
The government estimates that around 5% of UK steel exports and 6% of aluminum exports will go to the US, but the aluminum industry group says the US market accounts for 10% of exports, at £225 million.
Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on other countries and has since been forgiving, but he continues to marry the overall idea that taxing imports will make the United States richer.
Nina Lloyd, David Lynch, David Hughes, Pennsylvania
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