Trump Considers 10% Tariff on UK Goods Ahead of Trade Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is “going to look at” implementing a blanket 10 percent tariff on most goods imported from the United Kingdom. This statement was made during a press briefing at his Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, just before engaging in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump expressed optimism regarding the potential for progress in trade negotiations, emphasizing his willingness to consider adjustments to the existing tariff rates. When questioned about the possibility of reducing the 10 percent reciprocal tariff rate, which is currently the lowest among U.S. trading partners, Trump responded positively: “We are going to take a look at it,” adding, “we want to make the prime minister happy.”

The comments come amidst unease within the U.K. government regarding the execution of certain aspects of the U.K.-U.S. Economic Prosperity Deal signed over two months ago. This deal not only seeks to lower the reciprocal tariff rate but also includes a push for the U.S. to fulfill its promise to reduce tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25 percent to zero. However, progress has been hindered by U.S. regulations that stipulate steel must be melted and poured in the U.K. to qualify for tariff exemptions.

In response to inquiries about the potential for tariff reductions on steel and aluminum, Trump did not provide a direct answer. Instead, he praised the trade agreement, stating, “We’re in great shape, a great deal was made with the UK prime minister — they did a great job. You know, they’ve been trying to make that deal for 12 years, and he got it done, so everybody respects him.”

The discussion also touched on Scotch whisky, a significant export from the U.K. When asked about tariffs on whisky, Trump remarked, “Well we’ll talk about that,” humorously adding, “I didn’t know whisky was a problem. I’m not a big whisky drinker. But maybe I should be one.”

Additionally, the president refrained from commenting on the tariffs concerning pharmaceutical products, which he has threatened to address as early as August. U.K. pharmaceutical companies, including GSK and AstraZeneca, rely heavily on the U.S. market, with exports valued at £6.6 billion in 2024.

A U.K. government official, speaking anonymously, indicated that reaching an agreement on pharmaceuticals appears “much more likely” than immediate progress on steel tariffs or the proposed blanket tariff. As negotiations develop, both nations will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this pivotal meeting.