The UK car industry is bracing itself for the impact of US President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on imported cars, threatening economic growth and the sector’s competitiveness.
The UK car industry is bracing itself for the impact of US President Donald Trump‘s proposed 25% tariffs on imported cars. ‘We’re watching this situation very closely,’ said a government spokesperson. Companies are seeking support from the government, citing the challenges they face in an already competitive market.
US tariffs refer to taxes imposed on imported goods by the United States government.
The primary purpose of tariffs is to protect domestic industries from foreign competition and generate revenue for the federal government.
Tariff rates vary depending on the type of product, country of origin, and other factors.
According to the US International Trade Commission, in 2020, the average tariff rate was around 2.5%.
However, some products like clothing and electronics face significantly higher tariffs, up to 25%.
US tariffs could have a significant impact on the UK economy, with estimates suggesting that in a worst-case scenario, taxes could reduce economic growth by 1% and wipe out ‘£9.9bn headroom against her debt rules,’ said Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer. Vehicles are the UK‘s biggest export to the US, totalling 101,000 last year worth £9bn.
The United Kingdom has a rich history in the automotive industry, dating back to the early 20th century.
In 1896, Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company, one of the first British car manufacturers.
The industry grew rapidly, with companies like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar emerging in the 1920s.
Post-WWII, the UK's automotive sector experienced significant growth, with production reaching over 2 million vehicles by the 1960s.
However, the industry faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century due to increased competition from foreign manufacturers.
UK car firms met with industry minister Sarah Jones on Friday morning to discuss their response to the proposed tariffs. Insiders say that car firms outlined the challenges they face, including the ‘Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate’ . The BBC understands that there was a consensus among government officials that every effort should be made to reach a deal.
The United Kingdom is home to a thriving automotive industry, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
The country has produced iconic brands such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, and Land Rover.
According to a report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK's automotive sector contributes over £21 billion to the national GDP annually.
With major manufacturing hubs in Birmingham, Coventry, and Sunderland, the industry employs over 180,000 people across the country.
The reaction from the industry has been mixed. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, described the tariffs as coming ‘at a very difficult time for the industry,’ with UK car production falling 12% in February compared to the year before. Ineos Automotive, a start-up carmaker, said that the tariffs are a ‘significant threat’ since the US is its biggest market and its manufacturing is based in the European Union (EU).
The government has stated that it will not be jumping into a trade war with the US. Treasury minister Darren Jones said that the UK needs to take a ‘different approach’ when negotiating tariffs with the US, citing ‘complicated issues’ to be discussed. The government is already consulting on changing the mandate for zero electric vehicles, which could end up costing UK manufacturers and subsidising importers such as Tesla.
Other nations have also reacted to the proposed tariffs. Germany has said it will not give in and urged Europe to ‘respond firmly’ to the taxes. France and Canada have vowed trade retaliation against the US, with Canada’s new prime minister Mark Carney saying his country would ‘fight,’ adding that the longstanding Canada-US relationship is ‘over.’
- bbc.com | UK car firms urge help as Trump tariffs loom
- www.bbc.co.uk | British carmakers meet government on Trump tariffs BBC News
