A new UK-US trade agreement will see tariffs on British steel exports to the United States reduced to zero, easing a key barrier for the UK steel industry.
As part of the deal, tariffs on UK-made cars exported to the US will be lowered from 27.5pct to 10pct, covering up to 100,000 vehicles, a figure close to last year’s total exports, according to Downing Street.
The UK government said the removal of the 25pct steel tariff, originally imposed under former President Trump, will support continued access to the US market for British steelmakers. This development follows recent government efforts to stabilise the domestic steel industry, including intervention in British Steel to safeguard jobs in Scunthorpe.
The broader 10pct tariff applied by the US on all imports remains in place. Talks are expected to continue on a wider agreement covering sectors such as pharmaceuticals and addressing remaining reciprocal tariffs.
This is the UK’s second major trade development in a week, following progress on a Free Trade Agreement with India.