The UK government is drafting a list of American products that could face retaliatory tariffs after President Donald Trump imposed a 10% levy on nearly all British exports to the US. The move signals a hardening stance as ministers push for a trade deal while warning of potential countermeasures if negotiations fail.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds revealed that officials are consulting UK firms to assess the impact of the US tariffs and determine which imports such as bourbon whiskey, crude oil, and firearms should be targeted. If no agreement is reached by May 1, the UK could impose its own tariffs on US goods.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, claimed he was open to negotiations if other countries offered “something phenomenal,” adding that global leaders had reached out since his tariff announcement. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure at home, with critics arguing the UK’s 10% rate lower than the EU’s 20% but matching tariffs on nations like the Congo shows no special treatment.
Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urged the government to avoid retaliatory measures and instead position the UK as a low-tax, business-friendly hub akin to “Singapore-on-Thames.”
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