A government minister has insisted the UK is in a “better place” today, despite Donald Trump having renewed a 10 per cent import tariff on British goods.
The US trade representative confirmed the US president will press ahead with a new import tariff after time-limited levies introduced by Trump in response to a Supreme Court defeat expire on Friday.
However, junior housing minister Sally Jameson insisted that the country is “in a better place today” due to certain tariffs on products such as whisky having been removed.
“Well, we're actually in a better place today than we were yesterday because things like whisky and medical technologies, the tariffs won’t apply,” she told Sky News.
“And actually through the deal that was negotiated with the US, Britain has done better out of it. But of course, conversations will always continue between officials and ministers, both here in the UK and in the US to make sure that we're getting the best deal that we can.”
The US president announced in April that he would remove the whisky tariff, following the state visit by the King and Queen.
John Swinney said there will be a “significant benefit” for Scottish producers as the ten per cent tariff was lifted on Friday.
Ambassador Jamieson Greer is imposing the charges on Britain and 59 other countries over claims they have not done enough to enforce bans on items produced by forced labour.
However, under the rules the UK could be eligible for exemptions on products where it would encourage compliance in meeting this commitment.
Ms Jameson said: “I think that the UK has some of the strongest anti-forced labour laws in the world, and that's something we can be proud of. But obviously, we've always got to look to do more.”
The fresh tariffs came just hours before temporary 10 per cent levies, which Britain was already facing, expired.
They were introduced after the Supreme Court overturned Mr Trump’s previous import tax regime in February, but he is now seeking a more durable system using a 1974 trade law.
The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country, with UK exports to the US being worth £66 billion, 17 per cent of all UK goods exports, in 2024.
The Economic Prosperity Deal agreed between the two countries last year aimed to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on UK industries and deepen commercial ties.
A government spokesperson said: “There is no change to the tariff rate facing UK businesses as a result of this announcement.
“The UK remains on a 10 per cent tariff rate and the preferential access secured under our agreement with the United States remains in place.
“We take forced labour very seriously and ensure that in global supply chains UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour and human rights violations.
“The US has recognised the steps the UK is taking, which is why there are no additional tariffs for the UK under this announcement.”
