British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Prioritizes Negotiations Over Retaliation Against US Tariffs
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.
