UK to Hold Talks with US over Steel, Aluminum Tariffs
British officials are set to engage in discussions with their American counterparts to prevent 25% tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum, as announced by President Donald Trump.
The UK government seeks further clarification regarding the implementation timeline and exemptions for various countries, sources familiar with the matter disclosed. Despite initial hopes of avoiding the tariffs, British officials remain cautious until concrete details are available.
"We need more specific information before commenting further," stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman, Dave Pares.
The UK remains opposed to escalating trade hostilities with the US, given the relatively small share of steel exports it sends to America. However, a decision on potential retaliatory measures will depend on the specifics of Trump's plan.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy hinted at the UK's reluctance to retaliate against British tariffs, emphasizing the country's commitment to open markets and free trade.
However, the UK steel industry has expressed concerns about the potential impact of tariffs. Gareth Stace, director-general at UK Steel, warned that they "would be a devastating blow to our industry." He highlighted the US as the second-largest export market for UK steel and expressed fears that protectionism could hinder exports and damage the sector's contribution to the UK's balance of trade.