Britain wants to avoid Trump tariffs first

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump

Carl Court | By Reuters

With the implementation of trade tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump around the world and more targeted taxes are likely to be imposed, the UK still hopes it will escape the severity of import tariffs.

In recent weeks, Britain has touted a more balanced deal with the United States, looking for a spacious way to Trump. White House leaders are protesting state trade deficits with the largest trading partners such as Canada, China, Mexico and the EU and impose or threaten (such as the EU) tariffs on imports of up to 25%.

The UK has a more subtle business relationship with the US Latest data released in February It points out almost balanced trade in terms of import and export of goods and surplus of trade in services.

Keeping Washington sweet is important for the UK – as of September 2024, the United States is the UK’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than 17% of the UK’s total trade, Official data shows.

Trump is seen as having a sentiment towards the UK, clearly enjoying his state visit to the country. King Charles invited him for the second time recently. The president also appears to have a good rapport with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite their different ideological backgrounds and has previously recognized that US-UK trade relations are not very problematic for him – noting that he believes the trade deal can be resolved.

However, Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on “all countries”, which has caused Britain to fade out of the specific trade agreements that hoped to be made with Washington could be formulated before a series of national, departmental and “commuting” tariffs announced on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House in Washington, DC on February 27, 2025.

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

However, the silver lining of hope persists, largely Trump’s tendency to oscillate between a larger and punitive stance.

this According to the Washington Post On Tuesday, White House aides drafted a proposal that would impose a levy of about 20% on most imports.

The paper cites three people familiar with the matter, noting that consultants warn that there are still several options still on the table, meaning a 20% tariff may not be achieved. Another plan under consideration is a country-specific “reciprocity” approach, according to a report by the Washington Post. NebraskaDailyNews has contacted the White House for comment.

“There may be a possibility of taxes”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News on Tuesday that the UK is “working to reach an economic agreement” with the United States and said “fast progress” has been successful, but warned that a deal may take time.

He acknowledged that the country still has the possibility of new levies, but Trump has announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports and “all cars not made in the United States.” The latter taxation takes effect on Wednesday.

“I don’t think anyone wants to see the tariffs,” Stamer said. Tell the Sky News. “We are working on a rapidly improving economic agreement and I hope we can make a real quick resolution,” he said.

He added: “It is likely that there will be taxes. No one welcomes this. We obviously work with the sector that has been most affected by this. No one wants to see a trade war. But I have to act in the national interest, which means all choices have to stay on the table.”

Jonathan Reynolds, UK Business Secretary Being in the “best position in any country” has turned trade duties upside down.

Economists noted that it is not clear what will be announced on Wednesday.

“We still don’t know which countries they will be imposed on and what interest rates they will be imposed on,” Deutsche Bank strategists said in an email analysis on Tuesday. “It’s fair to say that the government may not have the final plan ready yet.”

“(Monday), White House Press Secretary Levitt said the planned Rose Garden announcement will feature country tariffs and will be held accountable later,” the analyst added.

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