British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed disappointment over new US tariffs on steel and aluminium but has stopped short of retaliating, instead prioritising negotiations for a broader economic agreement with Washington.
“Obviously, like everybody else, I’m disappointed to see global tariffs about steel and aluminium, but we will take a pragmatic approach,” Starmer told parliament on Wednesday.
While the European Union has vowed to impose countermeasures starting April 1 in response to the 25 per cent tariffs, the UK government has opted for diplomacy.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds reiterated that the UK is focused on securing a deal that would eliminate additional tariffs and benefit British businesses.
Starmer recently met with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where Trump suggested the potential for a “great” post-Brexit trade accord—something Britain has sought since leaving the EU.
The UK steel industry, which exports around 10 per cent of its steel to the US, valued at nearly £400 million in 2023, has warned that the tariffs could be devastating.
In response to the US levies, the UK government has announced a £2.5 billion support package for its steel industry and launched a consultation on protecting the sector from unfair trading practices and high electricity costs.
While a full free-trade agreement remains unlikely, the February discussions have been seen as a step forward after previous negotiations faltered under former US president Joe Biden.
