The White House has confirmed that the United Kingdom will be exempt from the steep 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports introduced by the United States this week, offering relief to British steel manufacturers and exporters.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday evening implementing the increased tariffs for most countries, but stated that the UK would receive “different treatment” due to a recent agreement reached between London and Washington.
Although this deal has yet to be formally ratified, import duties for UK steel will remain at the existing 25%—for now.
The White House has warned, however, that the higher 50% tariff could still be imposed after 9 July if the UK fails to meet the conditions outlined in the bilateral agreement.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with White House trade representative Jamieson Greer in Paris to discuss fast-tracking the deal’s implementation. Both sides committed to moving forward swiftly.
Industry leaders have cautiously welcomed the news. Rowan Crozier, CEO of Birmingham-based metal components manufacturer Brandauer, called the development “good news in the short term” but warned that ongoing tariff instability continues to undermine business confidence and forward planning.
He urged the UK Government to finalize the trade deal as soon as possible to provide certainty for exporters.
Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a breakthrough trade agreement with the United States that included provisions for tariff relief on British steel and aluminium.
While the political will appears strong, the technical and legal implementation of the agreement remains pending.
UK Steel, the trade association representing the sector, said the continued 25% tariff would at least protect existing shipments en route to the US, many of which were at risk of facing a sudden tax hike.
Director General Gareth Stace called on the UK Government to “apply rocket boosters” to negotiations to eliminate all tariffs on steel and aluminium exports to the US, which remains Britain’s second-largest steel export market.
Several firms had been considering diverting shipments mid-Atlantic to avoid potential 50% duties, while others were uncertain whether goods returned from the US might still incur levies.
Liam Bates, president of long products at Marcegaglia Stainless Sheffield, welcomed the White House’s position, describing the situation as a “storm in a teacup,” but stressed that wider issues remain. He noted that products not exclusively from the UK will still be hit with the full 50% tariff unless the agreement is finalised and fully implemented.
A government spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that as a result of our agreement with the US, UK steel will not be subject to these additional tariffs.
“We will continue to work with the US to implement our agreement, which will see the 25% US tariffs on steel removed.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that domestic work to support the agreement’s implementation is ongoing and assured business owners that the government is doing all it can to shield them from global economic challenges.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, welcomed the exemption, saying it “takes us back from the brink” and would ease fears of potential job losses across Britain’s steel and aluminium sectors.
When asked about the full text of the agreement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the language had been shared with the US side and suggested that the UK Parliament should be approached regarding its publication domestically.
