UK urges swift US action on steel tariff deal amid Trump hike

With looming US tariff hikes on steel, the UK is pushing for a swift implementation of a trade deal meant to protect £400mn in exports and safeguard industry jobs.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to press the Trump administration next week to fast-track implementation of a deal that would eliminate tariffs on British steel exports, as the US prepares to double global steel tariffs to 50%.

British officials admit there is still no clear understanding of how President Trump's new tariffs — effective from Wednesday — will impact the UK's £400mn in steel exports to the US. Despite the urgency, they acknowledge that enacting trade deals usually takes months.

The UK and US signed a non-binding Economic Prosperity Deal on May 8, which includes US tariff cuts on UK steel, aluminium, and vehicles. However, none of the changes have yet come into effect.

Reynolds will meet US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Paris during an OECD event to discuss implementation timelines. The UK is also lobbying for accelerated progress on a separate deal to lower tariffs on British car exports.

Industry leaders are warning of severe consequences if the US tariff hike proceeds without relief for UK producers. Gareth Stace of UK Steel called the potential 50% tariff “a body blow,” citing uncertainty over whether the US will remain a viable export market.

The UK government confirmed it is working to ensure businesses benefit from the deal swiftly and that the Economic Prosperity Deal will be presented to parliament. But trade experts warn that Trump’s court battles may delay progress on the agreement.

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