UK Seeks Exemption from Trump’s New 25% Steel and Aluminium Tariffs

British officials argue their steel and aluminium exports are crucial to U.S. defense and manufacturing supply chains.

President Trump announced a 25% tariff on global steel and aluminium imports, stating there would be no exceptions or exemptions.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds plans to negotiate for exemptions, emphasizing the strategic importance of British steel and aluminium in U.S. defense and supply chains.
The U.S. is the second-largest export market for UK steel, worth over £400 million annually, making the tariffs potentially devastating for the British steel industry.
Analysts suggest the tariffs could lead to cheaper steel imports in the UK from other markets, potentially benefitting construction but harming domestic steel producers.
UK Steel, an industry group, criticized the tariffs as harmful to free trade, while Reynolds expressed optimism about reaching a favorable agreement with the U.S.