Business Reporter, BBC News
Getty imagesThe United Kingdom has been temporarily spared by the executive decree of US President Donald Trump doubling steel and aluminum prices from 25% to 50%.
The prescription signed by Trump increases import taxes on Tuesday evening for American companies buying in other countries from Wednesday – but the levy remains at 25% for the United Kingdom.
The command depends on The Tariff Pact of the United Kingdom and the United States signed in MayWho would chop steel and aluminum prices but has not yet entered into force, which means that British steel exporters will be faced with prices until then and could face the price of 50% if the pact vacillates.
The British government said it was “determined to protect British affairs and jobs”, but the conservatives said the order was a “new price”.
The British government spokesman added that he “will continue to work with the United States to implement our agreement, which will see the (prices) suppressed”, the legislation implemented the agreement to be presented to the parliament “in due time”.
Trump said in order that the United Kingdom needed “different treatment” due to the United States Economic Prosperity Agreement (DPE) signed on May 8, 2025.
However, Trump later added that the United States could increase the price on the United Kingdom on July 9 or after July 9 “if it” determines that the United Kingdom has not respected the relevant aspects of the EPD “.
How we reached this point
- February 10: Trump announces 25% prices on all steel and aluminum imports in the United States – new rights began on March 12
- April 2: Trump announces that most countries – including the United Kingdom – will face 10% “basic” tariff on all goods sent to the United States
- May 8: The United Kingdom and the United States agree to reduce or remove certain samples
- June 4: The United States increases imports for steel and aluminum to 50%-the levy remains temporarily at 25% for the United Kingdom
The UK sculpture in the decree comes after the business secretary Jonathan Reynolds met on Wednesday the American commercial representative Jamieson Greer in Paris.
The United States is the destination of around 7% of British steel exports, which means that all prices have a significant impact on industry.
The director general of the United Kingdom Steel Gareth Stace said that the exemption from the United Kingdom of the 50% price was “a welcome break”, but added that “uncertainty remains on timetables and final tariff rates, and now American customers will be doubtful as to whether they should even risk placing British orders”.
“The United States and the United Kingdom must urgently transform the May agreement to completely eliminate the prices,” he said.
Shadow secretary, Andrew Griffith, said: “Labor sloppy negotiations have left companies in limbo and this country simply cannot afford their continuous failure.”