US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals

US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals

The United States and the United Kingdom recently reached a new trade agreement aimed at easing some of the tariffs that have been affecting key UK industries. This agreement includes a reduction in import taxes on a limited number of British cars and the allowance of certain amounts of steel and aluminum into the US without tariffs. This development comes as a relief for industries in the UK that have been impacted by the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump since he assumed office. Despite the positive reception from leaders in both countries, analysts observe that the agreement does not significantly alter the overall trade terms as they existed prior to Trump's tariff implementations. The announcement lacked a formal signed agreement and was sparse in details, raising questions about its immediate impact. Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at a Jaguar Land Rover factory in the West Midlands, lauded the agreement as a "fantastic platform" that provides substantial benefits to British businesses and protects jobs in key sectors such as car manufacturing and steel. He emphasized the importance of the alliance between the UK and the US, calling the United States the UK's greatest ally. President Trump, speaking from the White House, described it as a "great deal" and dismissed criticisms that he was exaggerating its significance. He emphasized that the agreement is a starting point meant to be expanded upon in the future. According to the agreement, the US will reduce the import tax on cars from 25% to 10% for up to 100,000 cars annually. This will aid luxury carmakers like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls Royce; however, it may restrict long-term growth since the limit aligns closely with the number of cars the UK exported to the US last year. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds noted that the UK was on the brink of losing thousands of jobs at car manufacturers due to the US tariffs, highlighting the urgency and significance of the agreement. Tariffs on steel and aluminum, previously increased to 25%, have also been reduced. The UK's Prime Minister's Office mentioned a "reciprocal access" agreement for beef exports, allowing UK farmers to export up to 13,000 metric tonnes. While the White House did not confirm these figures, it acknowledged an expectation to increase US exports of beef and ethanol to the UK, a long-standing US demand. US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the deal is crucial, predicting it will create a $5 billion opportunity for exports, including $700 million in ethanol and $250 million in other agricultural products. The agreement received mixed reactions from various stakeholders. UK Steel director General Gareth Stace welcomed it as a relief for the steel sector, crediting the UK government's negotiating efforts. However, Duncan Edwards, chief executive of BritishAmerican Business, expressed mixed feelings, noting the deal is an improvement over recent conditions but not as favorable as those before the tariff increases. Within the UK, the agreement has sparked political debate. While Labour MPs praised it, opposition parties called for more scrutiny and detailed information in Parliament. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the deal, suggesting it involved the UK lowering tariffs while the US raised them. The Liberal Democrats demanded a parliamentary vote, arguing that excluding MPs from the decision would disrespect the public. Sir Ed Davey, a member of the Liberal Democrats, emphasized the need for careful examination of the deal's details, especially given Trump's reputation for unpredictability. He noted that despite the agreement, Trump's tariffs still pose challenges to UK industries. Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage viewed the agreement as a positive step, albeit with more details to be clarified. He highlighted the ability to negotiate such agreements as a benefit of Brexit, indicating optimism for future developments. The trade discussions between the US and UK have been ongoing since Trump's first term, with previous attempts at a mini-agreement. The US has historically sought changes favoring its farmers and pharmaceutical industries, areas that remain politically sensitive for the UK. The extent of progress on these issues remains unclear. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association celebrated the agreement as a significant victory for American ranchers. However, the US Meat Export Federation, which monitors trade barriers, is still seeking clarity on the specifics of the changes. The UK has maintained that it will not compromise on food import standards. Michael Pearce, deputy chief economist at Oxford Economics, cautioned that the details of the agreement are crucial and noted that the announcement did not alter the firm's economic forecasts. Looking ahead, other challenges persist. Trump has previously expressed a desire to tax pharmaceutical imports to boost domestic manufacturing of essential medicines. Meanwhile, the

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