The UK has prepared retaliatory tariffs on iconic US products, including Harley Davidson motorcycles, for immediate implementation in the event of a trade war with Donald Trump.
The British government is devising strategies to counteract any potential Trump tariffs on UK exports. Officials have advised ministers that they can quickly adapt former EU measures against the US without requiring additional investigations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
After Brexit, the UK retained tariffs from the European Union that had been imposed on US products during Trump’s first term, as a response to his extensive tariffs on European steel. Last month, it was reported that the EU also has a similar set of measures prepared for activation.
The UK tariffs were maintained after Britain officially exited the EU in February 2020, affecting iconic American goods like Jack Daniel’s bourbon, Levi’s jeans, and Harley Davidsons.
Current and former government officials have indicated that the UK could swiftly reinstate these tariffs on the US if Trump follows through on his threats to impose 10 to 20 percent tariffs on all foreign imports, without encountering opposition from Britain’s trade regulator. Publicly, the UK government prefers to avoid discussions about a potential retaliatory trade war with the US, despite Trump’s tariffs on British imports.
Reintroducing tariffs on motorcycles and other goods could heighten tensions between the two nations and breach the agreement made between the UK and the Biden administration to suspend such measures initially. Within the government, ministers are optimistic while also preparing for adverse outcomes.
A Cabinet minister, speaking anonymously to express their views, remarked, “US tariffs are potentially very significant for us,” further stating, “Trade constitutes only about 10 percent of their GDP, but it’s around 30 percent for the UK.” They emphasized that the UK’s primary objective is to convince the president-elect not to impose tariffs on British imports from the outset.
The Cabinet minister also suggested that should Trump take action, the UK government would prefer to negotiate a deal rather than resorting to retaliatory measures, as was done previously.
By Naila Huseynova