Stuart Anderson MP is calling on businesses across South Shropshire to inform the Government's response to 10% tariffs announced by President Trump on the import of British goods into the US worth approximately £54 billion a year.
The tariffs, which came into effect on 5th April, follow the imposition of 25 per cent automotive tariffs and steel and aluminium tariffs that are already in force, which represent around £6 billion of trade.
The last government was at an advanced stage in negotiations on a Free Trade Deal with the US when President Trump was last in power. The new government is using this as a basis for negotiations with the US administration in current discussions.
The last government had also signed eight US state-level agreements with a combined GDP of £3.4 trillion. Now, it is estimated that the tariffs could knock up to 1 per cent off of GDP in the UK. This would wipe out the Chancellor’s fiscal headroom from the Spring Statement.
Stuart is urging affected businesses to respond to the four-week 'Request for Input' that is running for four weeks until Thursday, 1st May. It seeks views from UK businesses on the potential impacts of any future UK tariffs in response to the US government's recent announcement.
All US-origin imports into the UK are within scope of the Request, although an Indicative Long List has been provided to focus commentary. The questions include the average value of US imports from UK businesses, the impact of any possible UK tariffs, and how business would adjust them.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) said the consultation "marks the next stage in the government's ongoing preparations and negotiations with the US on our economic relationship."
As part of his plan for South Shropshire, Stuart wants to unleash rural prosperity. This means seeking to support and enable the right economic environment for every business to thrive.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"The imposition of tariffs on imports into the US will be worrying for the many businesses that export there. This includes almost 100 businesses from South Shropshire. I urge them all to respond to the government's Request for Input, which closes on 1st May. The UK and USA have an enduring friendship which has lasted hundreds of years. Past negotiations with President Trump have shown that he wants to strike a deal with us. Ministers must get back to negotiating a fair deal that protects British interests and enables our businesses to thrive again on the world stage."
Launching the Request for Input on 3rd April 2025, the Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP said:
"The best interests of British business has shaped our approach throughout as we prepare for all scenarios, which is why we are asking them for their views on how these tariffs impact their operations and day-to-day lives."
DBT added:
"The government is seeking input from all stakeholders that could be affected by potential UK tariff measures, because they import or consume US products. The information gathered will help the government to assess the scope of any UK tariff measures that may be applied. The government is engaging separately with affected industries and stakeholders on the impacts of US tariffs."
