• 12 March – 25% import duties on UK and global steel, aluminium and derivative products entering the US. Applies to wide range of products from furniture, construction, tableware, nuts, screws,. Already having effect on supply chains.​
• 2 April – reciprocal tariffs announced (see next section)​
• 3 April – 25% additional import duties on UK and global automotive vehicles entering the US. This is on top of previous duties of 2.5%, making duty payable at new rate of 27.5%. ​
• 5 April – 10% additional import duties on affected products took effect (global baseline rate)​
• 9 April – US reciprocal tariffs on 50 countries above 10% global baseline came into effect, but were suspended on the same day for 90 days for non-retaliating countries. For China, the increase in duty was raised to 145%. EU Ministers voted on first sets of retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminium
• 11 April – China 125% retaliatory tariffs on all US goods imports came into effect.
• ​11 April – US exempts smartphones, flatscreen TVs, solar cells, flash drives, memory cards, solid state data drives from scope of reciprocal tariff (10% Global baseline tariff rise, and 145% additional duties on China goods).
• 15 April – First set of EU retaliatory tariffs was due to take effect but is suspended until 14 July.​​
• 17 April – Decision from US Trade Representative Office on shipping landing charges – stepped back from new charges of $1.5m per landing for shipping lines at US ports which have China made boats in their fleets or on order. New plans exempt non-China made boats. Will impact on logistics around exports.​
• 3 May – 25% duties were due to apply to automotive parts imported for use in US-made vehicles (estimated $460bn of cars and car parts covered by new duties) – engines, lithium batteries, tyres, shock absorbers, computers. US Customs and Border Protection now have 30 days to implement new scheme with exemptions focused on US manufacturers up to a certain percentage of the value of the vehicle.​
• 8 May – UK-US deal reached on partial tariff reduction, removing tariffs from steel and aluminium products, reducing automotive tariffs to 10% for a quota of 100,000 cars per year, creating reciprocal tariff free quotas for 13,000 tonnes of beef exports in both markets. Other tariffs remain in place.​
• 4 June – Duty rates on steel, aluminium and derivative products increased to 50% for all countries apart from the UK, where duties remain at 25% for now.​
• 8 July – 90 day suspension period for non-retaliating countries of reciprocal tariffs above global baseline rate of 10% due to end.​
• 9 July – US Commerce Secretary to make decision on implementation of quotas on steel and aluminium products from the UK – whether tariff rates will be at zero within the quota under the Economic Prosperity Agreement or raised to 50%.​
• 22 November – deadline for report on copper tariffs to go to President.​

• 10% global baseline tariff on all imports applied from 5 April.​
• Beyond the baseline, differential tariffs country by country represent biggest shift in global goods trade since 1947. Tension with WTO rules.​
• Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, copper, energy, critical minerals, steel, aluminium excluded. From 11 April smartphones, computers and devices, flatscreen TVs, solar cells, memory drives, solid state storage drives exempt from the new tariffs.​
• May be further sectoral tariffs announced eventually on pharmaceutical, semiconductors and critical minerals.​
• Duties not stacked – so no supplement on steel/aluminium/automotive tariffs.​
• 9 April – further reciprocal duties applied if tariff assessment made beyond 10% for individual states, but have been suspended for 90 days for non-retaliating countries.​
• These duties are not cumulative with the sectoral tariffs announced.​
• China is the exception – faced additional duties since start of 2025 of 145% on 10 April, but then additional duties were temporarily reduced to 30% in May until July while US-China negotiations continue.
• How the US Government did the assessment for each country – focus on trade balances in goods.​
• Reciprocal tariffs meant to examine line by line tariff, regulatory, fiscal issues in each trading market.​
• Final plan applied a formula focused on goods trade surpluses between the US and trading partners.​
• UK and Brazil both given 10% reciprocal tariff (the baseline) – average UK duties 1.3%, Brazil 13.29%​
• Examples of country assessments for tariffs applied from 9 April (suspended for 90 days for non-retaliating states) – ​
• Vietnam 46%, Thailand 36%​
• China 34% (increased to an additional 125% but suspended in May 2025), Taiwan 32%, South Africa 30%​
• Switzerland 31%, India 26%, South Korea 25%​
• Japan 24%, EU 20%​
• UK, Brazil 10% (baseline)
• De minimis threshold ($800) abolished on China and Hong Kong origin goods entering the US – took effect from 2 May.​
• Duties enforced on low value consignments arriving containing goods of China origin either by sea or international postal services..​
• Goods sent by post from China or Hong Kong will face ad valorem duties of 120% of the value of the postal package, or a specific duty per item now at $200 per item from 1 June.​
• Threshold stays in place for now on other countries low value consignments but could be reviewed once revenue collection processes fully evaluated by US Administration.​
• If countries reduce their trade imbalances or produce plans to achieve that, reciprocal tariffs can be adjusted downwards by the President.​
• If countries adopt further retaliatory measures, their reciprocal tariffs can be adjusted upwards by the President – see potential changes in tariff rates to be applied to China imports.

For general goods:​

• On 4 Feb, 10% additional duties were added to duties on China origin goods.​
• then on 4 March, a further 10% additional duties were applied on China goods.​
• Then on 5 April a further 10% duties from the US global baseline tariff were added to China goods under the Executive Order of 2 April​
• Reciprocal tariffs and increases applied from 9 April​
• Total US duty increase on China imported goods since start of February – 145%.​
• Temporary reduction in import duties in May for two months to an additional 30% instead of additional 145%.​

• Goods that are wholly obtained in the UK — with all content and manufacturing processes carried out domestically —attract the 10% global baseline tariff increase (in effect since 5 April), provided the US classifies the UK as the country of origin under its non-preferential origin rules.​
• For mixed-origin goods, or goods comprising imported components assembled in the UK, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply the non-preferential rules of origin to determine the correct country of origin and, in turn, the applicable tariff rate​
• To qualify a good as being of UK origin, the product must satisfy the substantial transformation test.​
• This test has been developed through CBP rulings and US court decisions, and determines whether the processing or assembly in the UK results in a new and different article of commerce — with a distinct name, character, or use — compared to the original imported materials or components.​
• Substantial transformation typically requires that the manufacturing process adds significant value and results in a fundamental change to the product’s form, function, or essential character. Simple packaging, dilution, or minor assembly operations do not qualify as substantial transformation.​
• Assembly can amount to substantial transformation, depending on the nature and complexity of the process. ​
• A key CBP decision from 2016 (HQ H287548) clarified this multi-factor approach, emphasizing that no single factor is determinative, but rather the totality of circumstances must support a finding of substantial transformation.
• CBP considers a range of factors when assessing substantial transformation, including:​
• Number of components assembled​
• Number and type of operations involved​
• Time required for assembly​
• Skill levels of workers​
• Level of detail and precision in assembly​
• Value added by assembly​
• Design and development resources expended​
• Extent of post-assembly inspection and testing​
• Nature of post-assembly testing​
• Origin and significance of components used​
• Employment generated by the process

• China – imposed 125% retaliatory duties on US goods imports. In excess of 50% of China exports to the US affected by the high tariff wall. Risk of diversion of goods into other markets with low MFN tariffs, eg. the UK. These duty rates were reduced to 10% until July 2025 following a temporary suspension agreement with the US.​
• EU – two stage response – vote on 9 April on steel and aluminium tariff response – was due to take effect on 15 April (now suspended until 14 July). EU scaled back scope of response from original €26bn in tariffs to around €21bn. 
• 25% duties on some products, 10-25% on orange juice, poultry, soyabeans. Bourbon, wine and dairy products not subject to retaliatory tariffs. ​
• EU – second tranche of measures being considered if no deal is reached: tariffs only, or using the EU Anti Coercion Instrument to target US tech companies, intellectual property, procurement and services market access?​
• UK – no increase in duties. HMG considered how tariffs might increase if required – call for input for businesses which BCC submitted to on 1 May.​
• Australia – no increase in duties for now.
• India – no increase in duties for now. ​
• Japan – no increase in duties for now. ​
• Canada – retaliatory package including 25% tariffs on US auto exports but currently in election campaign ​
• US discussions underway with over 70 countries.​
• US response: consideration of measures like export tax credits (generally permissible under WTO rules)​
• Non-preferential rules of origin and relevant certification to prove origin will become key for trade with the US if goods have China-origin content.

• PM – calm, cool headed approach. No retaliatory action for now.​
• Achieved economic prosperity deal with the US to lower some tariffs and remove others.​
• Prepared for eventuality of future response with Call for Input on tariffs.​
• UK offer: lower tariffs on certain agri-food and ethanol imports, co-operation on technology, digital trade agreement.​
• Industrial policy: changes to Net Zero timeline for automotive companies and EV mandate. Changes to subsidies rules to authorize individual awards of up to £25m without mandatory investigations. BCC called for uprating of threshold.​
• Trade policy: increased resources at Trade Remedies Authority, using policy levers on anti-dumping duties to address unfair competition on prices where domestic industry faces injury; steel safeguard duties due to expire in June 2026 – BCC calling on these to be renewed.

• Under Windsor Framework, two effects –​
• First, if EU trade remedies, eg. anti-dumping duties diverge from those of the UK, EU duties will apply in NI. Means two different rates of trade remedies applicable within single UK customs territory. Despite the 90 day suspension in certain US duties from the EU, divergence over trade remedies could still affect NI businesses in the future.​
• Second, if EU tariffs (on US imports) are higher than UK tariffs, and the difference exceeds 3% on goods at risk of entering the EU Single Market, then NI importers will pay the EU tariffs. NI traders can seek to claim the additional duties back through the Duty Reimbursement Scheme (DRS).​
• NI businesses and some politicians say the DRS is not fit for purpose.​
• Consumer prices may rise in NI – which has the lowest disposable income of any part of the UK.

• 62% of UK firms with trade exposure to the USA say they will be negatively impacted by US tariffs, compared to 41% with no exposure
• 32% of firms with trade exposure to the USA say they will increase prices in response to the tariff​
• 44% of firms with exposure to the USA say the UK should seek to negotiate a closer trade relationship with the USA, and 43% want closer trade with other markets​
• Just under a quarter (21%) think the UK should impose retaliatory tariffs​
• ​45% of firms trading with the US think being outside the EU has given us a disadvantage, while 38% think it is an advantage 

• Negotiate not retaliate. Marathon not a sprint – and getting the best deal for the UK is what matters most. ​
• Some of our businesses are relieved they thought it would be much worse…Better news than feared – but still a bad situation.​
• Cars, steel and aluminium industries already facing much higher tariffs but tariffs need to fall in other sectors too.​
• No winners in the current scenario. Lose-lose for everyone.

Impact is…. ​

1. orders falling​
2. prices rising​
3. global economic demand will be weaker as a result.  

Is the UK now heading for recession? ​

These tariffs will certainly increase the risk, and the wider the trade war spreads the harder it becomes to avoid. But it is by no means guaranteed. If the government takes a three-pronged approach around US/EU and Indo-Pacific trade, gets large-scale infrastructure projects moving, reforms business rates and cuts unnecessary red tape, there is still a way through. 

• Risks of trade diversion real – could mean some prices fall for consumers here, but UK market could face goods from SE Asia and China being re-directed here – the UK has a very low average trade weighted MFN tariff <3%.​

• If this is unfairly competing with UK firms that could be an issue, but the Trade Remedies Authority and DBT have a number of tools to manage this.

​

• But it needs intelligence from firms about what is happening so we would urge businesses to immediately report any concerns around cheap exports flooding their markets. 

• How are supply chains being already affected by steel/aluminium/automotive tariffs? How are they impacting upon sectors like aviation and aerospace?​
• Supply chain effects on tech goods (iPhones), clothing and textiles, industrial goods.​
• What will the 10% tariffs mean for traders in the affected sectors? ​
• How may future EU retaliatory measures or anti-dumping duties affect businesses in NI?​
• Goods from China and other markets with high tariff assessments in the US may look to find buyers in the UK – known as trade diversion. What risks are there for domestic industries?​
• How should the Trade Remedies Authority engage with business and undertake its vital tasks in this new era of tariffs?​
• How should Ministers seek to engage with us in this new trading environment?

• Known as the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD)​
• Tariffs on UK exports of steel and aluminium products reduced from 25% to zero via operation of a quota. Scale of quota still to be determined. Will apply to “certain” derivative steel and aluminium products.​
• Tariff rate quota created for UK car exports to the US – 100,000 car units will have tariffs at 10% reduced from current 27.5%. Covers nearly all UK car exports to the US.​
• Tariffs cut on compliant beef products in both markets – UK/US exporters will have additional tariff rate quotas in the other market of 13,000 tonnes per annum at zero duty rates.​
• Tariffs on ethanol – used in manufacture of beer – reduced to zero through a tariff rate quota of up to 1.4bn litres of ethanol from the US.​
• Other tariffs to remain at current levels, including reciprocal tariffs in other goods sectors which raised tariffs by 10% on 5 April.
• UK to receive preferential treatment should the US engage in further section 232 investigations on new tariffs in the future, consistent with national security interests. This would be relevant for example, in protecting the UK pharmaceutical sector from any future tariffs.​
• Specific commitment to negotiate preferential outcomes for the UK in terms of the outcomes of the current section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical product tariffs.​
• Economic security alignment means zero tariffs on UK jet engines and aerospace components imported into the US.​
• Commitment by UK and US governments to negotiate digital trade agreement including on customs facilitations – a key BCC priority first raised four years ago.
• No change in UK food standards or sanitary or phytosanitary rules.​
• UK/US technology partnership to be negotiated by both countries.​
• No commitments made to change UK Digital Services Tax.​
• On 3 June 2025, new Proclamation on steel and aluminium tariffs released by the US President – provides that US tariffs on UK steel and aluminium products will remain at 25% until 9 July. ​
• US Commerce Secretary will then assess whether UK has made sufficient progress on relevant aspects of the EPD​
• Will then reduce tariffs on steel and aluminium within the quotas established (to zero) OR increase the tariffs applicable to UK steel and aluminium imports to 50% depending upon that assessment.​
• UK-US negotiations on the quotas and the implementation of the EPD continuing ahead of 9 July.

• DBT has produced comms and explainers in coming day to help businesses​
• BCC summarising President’s Executive Orders and Proclamations and the guidance produced by US Customs and Border Protection on release.​
• Updating tariffs explainer/FAQ document and reissue to BCC members.

• Secured: changes to subsidies rules and thresholds, permitting awards on community development using fast-track process and raising threshold limit for awards without mandatory call-in to £25m.​
• Secured: greater recourse to anti-dumping and import surge measures to avoid risk of trade diversion where unfair competition affecting UK production would be involved.​
• Secured: British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme providing increased lending capacity for companies facing economic distress and cashflow problems from the sudden imposition of new tariffs, with loans of up to £2m.​
• Secured: Government raises lending capacity of UK Export Finance from £60bn to £80bn to  cushion the impact upon SMEs, including £10bn earmarked capacity for US tariffs related impacts.​
• Secured: Additional resource and new inputs into the Trade Remedies Authority to ensure data on any unfair competition leading to surge in imports and dumping of goods on the UK market is quickly acted upon. ​
• Secured: Economic Prosperity Deal with the US to relieve impact of new tariffs in as many goods sectors as possible. Now needs to be implemented as soon as possible.
• Negotiate closer trading terms with EU and partners in CPTPP and wider Indo-Pacific trade zone. ​
• Outline BCC priorities for continued US trade negotiations to the PM and Secretary of State for Business and Trade.​
• BCC will continue to advocate for tariff reductions in all goods sectors, including those affected by the US reciprocal tariffs from 5 April (at 10% additional duty rates per good).​
• BCC will also seek inclusion of all derivative steel and aluminium products in the US tariff rate quota to be negotiated on UK steel and aluminium products, and to ensure UK car parts are properly defined in the final EPD agreement to benefit from reduced tariff treatment on entry to the US.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), through its customs and trade team, ChamberCustoms, is already supporting UK businesses in responding to the new US tariff regime.

We provide expert advice on US tariff changes, including commodity code checks and rules of origin guidance, helping businesses avoid unnecessary duties and navigate new compliance requirements.

Contact us directly at [email protected]