UK retaliatory tariffs on US imports may become a reality if trade negotiations with Washington collapse, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds warned on Thursday. This marks the first formal step by the UK government to respond to Donald Trump’s sweeping new import taxes on British goods.
Reynolds told MPs in the House of Commons that ministers will begin consulting businesses on possible countermeasures, with a public input process open until 1 May. The list of targeted US products is expected to be published later today.
Trump’s New Tariffs Target British Goods
Former US President Donald Trump recently announced a blanket 10% import tax on all UK goods and a 25% tariff on vehicles, sending shockwaves through transatlantic trade relations. In response, Reynolds stressed that while an economic deal with the US remains the UK’s priority, all options remain on the table should those efforts fail.
“To enable the UK to have every option open to us in future, I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action,” Reynolds said.
UK Seeks Business Input on Tariff Response
The UK government will gather feedback from industry leaders to guide the potential imposition of UK retaliatory tariffs on US imports. Reynolds emphasized that this process allows businesses to influence any future UK trade measures and defend national economic interests.
“If we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs, this request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from it will be lifted,” Reynolds confirmed.
Trade Deal Talks in Advanced Stage
Despite the looming threat of tariffs, both UK ministers and Downing Street remain optimistic. The prime minister’s spokesperson said negotiations with the US were at an “advanced stage” and efforts to secure a deal are ongoing.
“Our focus is to negotiate this economic deal with the US, but not taking any options off the table,” the spokesperson said.
Trump’s Global Tariff Strategy Sparks Concern
Trump’s announcement on Wednesday night included a sweeping set of tariffs on multiple countries, which analysts say could reshape the global economic landscape. While the UK received the lowest imposed rate compared to the EU, ministers are preparing to act if no agreement is reached.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with top business leaders Thursday morning, assuring them that the UK response would be measured and strategic. “Trump acted for his country; I will act in Britain’s interests with mine,” he said.
US Warns Against Retaliation
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned nations not to retaliate, saying the 10% rate was already at the “high end.” Despite this, Reynolds maintained that the UK is simply equipping itself with the necessary tools to respond, should it be required.
Food Standards Remain a Sticking Point
Reynolds also revealed that Trump’s team objected to the UK’s food safety standards, particularly the ban on chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef—long-standing points of friction in US-UK trade talks.
“We have a food standards regime which we’re very committed to in the UK which they have some objections to,” he said.
Nonetheless, Reynolds expressed strong optimism about the talks: “We’ve made more progress in days and weeks than we’ve had in years,” he told LBC.
