The UK government is strongly expressing its stance on Donald Trump’s decision to increase tariffs, emphasizing its position in private discussions, according to a Cabinet minister. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed hope that the UK’s existing trade agreement with the US would remain intact despite the recent tariff escalation by the American President. Trump, following a Supreme Court ruling against his previous import taxes, announced a sudden raise in global tariffs from 10% to 15%.

In response to the implications of this tariff hike for the UK, Phillipson stated that discussions are ongoing at the highest levels to ensure the UK’s national interests are effectively communicated to American counterparts. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) cautioned that the tariff increase would result in an additional 5% levied on a broad array of exports to the US, excluding those covered by a transatlantic trade deal.

Regarding the US-UK trade deal, Phillipson expressed optimism that the agreement would continue, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic negotiation behind closed doors. The BCC, representing a network of 50,000 UK businesses, expressed disappointment at Trump’s decision, highlighting the potential negative impact on UK companies exporting to the US. William Bain, head of trade policy at BCC, stated that the tariff escalation could cost UK exports to the US between £2bn and £3bn, affecting a significant number of British businesses.