Mon, 23 Feb 2026

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 No 10 says ‘nothing off the table’ over new US tariffs as UK could be among worst hit

Downing Street says discussions are ongoing following US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 15% global tariffs.

* Downing Street says no reciprocal action is off the table if the US does not honour its tariff deal with the UK.
* Prime Minister's official spokesman: "no one wants a trade war" but situation is "evolving".
* Most of the UK-US deal, including tariffs on cars, steel, and pharma, was not expected to change.
* Discussions between the UK and US are ongoing.
* EU has put its US tariff deal on hold in response to 15% tariff announcement by Trump.
* UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said he has raised concerns with his US counterpart Jamieson Greer over Trump's tariff plans.
* Trump administration's new 15% global tariff will be introduced as a temporary solution under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, but some products such as critical minerals and pharmaceuticals will be exempted.
* Analysis from think tank Global Trade Alert (GTA) found that the UK will be among the countries worst hit if the 15% global tariff goes ahead.
* The GTA said countries such as China and Brazil would be better off due to their higher tariff rates.
* Only sectors beyond those with separate sectorial tariffs will face the 15% global rate, according to the British Chamber of Commerce's president Andy Haldane.
* US trade representative Greer assured that the deals between the US and its partners were "going to be good deals" and they expect them to stand by them.
* EU Parliament has put its deal with the US on hold until further notice due to uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariff plans.
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