US president Donald Trump announces 10% tariffs on imports from the UK

American president Donald Trump has announced his much anticipated tariffs on imports of goods into the US from overseas.

A range of different tariffs will be imposed on countries with the UK facing 10%.

We're tracking the reaction of small business owners to the new trade tariffs here.

The 10% figure is the baseline rate for all countries but around 60 “worst offenders” will receive more punitive tariffs based on those they impose on the US which Trump said is “unfair”.

The higher tariffs include 20% on the European Union, 34% on China, 26% on India, 24% on Japan, 49% on Cambodia and 29% on Pakistan.

The 10% baseline tariff will be introduced at 5.01am UK time on 5 April, with the individual tariffs taking effect at at 5.01am UK time on 9 April.

Goods exempt from the newly announced tariffs are copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles, but the White House said they might become subject to future specific tariffs.

A 25% tariff on all foreign made cars imported into the US is also being introduced at 5.01am UK time on 3 April.

'Liberation Day'

Announcing the tariffs in the White House rose garden, Trump accused other countries of "ripping off" the US. He described the move, announced on what has been dubbed by the US government as "Liberation Day", as "our declaration of economic independence".

Trump claimed that jobs "will come roaring back into our country", with consumers benefitting from lower prices and increased competition in what will be "the golden age of America".

Reacting to the news, UK business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

"We will always act in the best interest of the UK businesses and consumers. That's why, throughout the last few weeks, the government has fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.

"The US is our closest ally, so our approach is to remain calm and commited to doing this deal, which we hope will mitigate the impact of what has been announced today.

"We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act. We will continue to engage with UK businesses including on their assessment of the impact of any further steps we take.

"Nobody wants a trade war and our intention remains to secure a deal. But nothing is off the table and the government will do everything necessary to defends the UK's national interests."

Donald Trump's global tariffs

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