Trump and Starmer Address Steel Tariff Implementation
During a joint press conference in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the implementation of a recent deal regarding steel tariffs would occur “pretty soon,” reports 24brussels.
Trump emphasized the U.S. market as a significant buyer of steel and aluminum, stating, “You have no idea. These people are tough negotiators. But we’re a big buyer of steel. We’re going to make our own steel; we’re going to make our own aluminum, for the most part. But we buy a lot of aluminum from here and a lot of steel, too.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported Trump’s comments, asserting that the reduction in tariffs was “already covered in the deal that we’ve agreed,” and indicated that they were moving forward with the implementation.
In early June, the U.S. raised tariffs on metal imports to 50 percent; however, due to a prior agreement made in May, the UK maintained a 25 percent tariff rate. According to UK Steel, representing the British steel sector, the UK exports approximately 200,000 tonnes of steel annually to the U.S., valued at over £400 million. The organization condemned the U.S. tariffs on British steelmakers, labeling them a “devastating blow” that would hinder exports.
Earlier on Monday, Trump expressed that he is considering a blanket 10 percent tariff on most UK goods, which could further strain the trade relationship.
