UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has described the United States' decision to impose global tariffs on steel and aluminium as "disappointing," emphasizing that the government is

considering "all options" to protect national interests.

While Britain has refrained from taking immediate retaliatory action, the European Union has already announced plans to implement countermeasures against US goods.

The tariffs, which took effect at midnight in the US (4 AM GMT), impose a 25% duty on steel and aluminium imports.

Reynolds responded to the move, stating:

"It's disappointing the US has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium.

"We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy.

"Meanwhile we remain resolute in our support for UK industry. This government is working with affected companies today, and I back industry's application to the Trade Remedies Authority to investigate what further steps might be necessary to protect UK producers."

"I will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won't hesitate to respond in the national interest," he added.

EU plans retaliatory measures

Brussels has announced plans to introduce counter-tariffs in April, impacting approximately €26 billion worth of EU exports. The European Commission condemned the US tariffs as "unjustified trade restrictions."

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated:

"Since the US is imposing tariffs worth $28 billion, we will respond with countermeasures amounting to €26 billion."

UK calls for caution amid trade tensions

Despite efforts to persuade the US to exempt British steel from the tariffs, UK officials have urged a "measured response" to avoid escalating trade tensions.

Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel, described the move as "hugely disappointing":

*"President Trump must understand that the UK is an ally, not an adversary. Our steel sector is a partner to key US industries, working together to address global overcapacity and unfair trade practices.

"These tariffs come at a particularly difficult time for the UK steel industry, which is already struggling with high energy costs, weak domestic demand, and a protectionist global market. Furthermore, the EU's additional trade restrictions will only worsen the impact of US tariffs."*

Industry leaders call for government action

The Aluminium Federation and trade union Unite have urged the UK government to take immediate action to shield domestic industries from the tariffs’ consequences.

Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of the Aluminium Federation, warned:

"The UK aluminium sector is already feeling the effects of these tariffs. The sharp rise in US premiums is incentivizing scrap exports, threatening our recycling capacity and sustainability goals. Additionally, concerns about potential trade diversion are adding pressure on UK producers as cheaper semi-finished goods may flood our market."

Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, called for steel to be classified as critical national infrastructure, stating:

"This is a matter of national security. The government must act decisively to protect the steel industry and its workers in response to US tariffs."

UK urged to avoid trade war

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, warned that the decision could lead to prolonged trade uncertainty:

"These tariffs push the UK and US into a new era of uncertainty. Retaliatory measures should be a last resort, as escalating trade tensions could spiral into a full-blown trade war. Instead, diplomatic engagement must continue to secure a long-term resolution that benefits both sides."

Ongoing diplomatic engagement

The issue was discussed during a call between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump on Monday, with UK ministers and officials maintaining ongoing discussions with their US counterparts.

The UK government estimates that 5% of its steel exports and 6% of aluminium exports by volume are directed to the US. However, the Aluminium Federation argues that the US market represents 10% of total aluminium exports, valued at £225 million.

While Trump has previously threatened and later withdrawn similar tariff measures, his administration remains committed to using trade restrictions to bolster the US economy. Photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.