The US announced that it will impose an additional 10% tariff on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on imports from the UK, excluding automotive, steel, aluminium, semiconductors, and key industrial products. This came into effect on 5th April 2025 at 00:01 EST.
There is also a 25% tariff on UK vehicle exports to the US, raising total duties to 27.5%.
Essex Chambers new US Tariffs Survey
The introduction of new US tariffs could have a significant impact on businesses across Essex – and we want to hear from you.
We are conducting a short survey to better understand how these tariffs are affecting local businesses. Your insights will help us represent your interests more effectively when speaking with decision-makers and policy influencers.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and your responses will be treated in the strictest confidence. This survey will close 12pm on 21st April 2025.
Visit our dedicated US Tariff Support Page
Official Statements
The Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds issued a statement to Parliament on the 3rd April 2025 regarding the imposition of US tariffs. You can read the full statement here
Director General Shevaun Haviland of the British Chamber of Commerce has released a statement which you can read here
Read Prime Minister Keir Starmers remarks to UK business leaders in Downing Street: 3rd April 2025 here
ICC urges negotiation over retaliation on trade tariffs: In a series of high-profile interviews with major media outlets, the International Chamber of Commerce Secretary General John W. H. Denton AO, has highlighted widespread concerns and uncertainties within the global business community as a result of threatened and imposed US tariff hikes.
The Governments Request for Input
UK seeks business views on response to US tariffs
Government begins process seeking business views on response to US tariffs
- UK Government launches next stage in process asking UK businesses to comment on options to shape UK’s potential response to US tariffs.
- Business and Trade Secretary tells Parliament UK is disappointed at US tariffs and will continue constructive discussions with US on wider deal.
- Tariffs remain the last resort, with options kept open.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has maintained his policy of not criticising Trump’s actions, while continuing to press for a bilateral trade deal, but the Government has also taken steps to prepare for the need to retaliate.
It has produced a list of more than 11,000 goods which the UK exports to the US and given British firms until 1st May to respond if they have evidence that imposing tariffs on any of those goods would adversely affect their business.
They are being asked to reply to questions asking them the average value of their US imports, the impact of any possible UK tariffs and how they would adjust to them.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said that, once the Request for Input closes, the Government will reflect on the feedback and consider how best to respond.
Full details of the Request for Input can be found here
UK MOUs with US states on economic cooperation and trade relations
Find out about the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on cooperation and trade relations the UK has signed with US states. Read more here
Further information for businesses exporting to the US can be found here
General information on exporting from the UK to the US is available on the US Market Guide