The UK has been spared from US President Donald Trump’s executive order doubling steel and aluminium tariffs from 25% to 50%.
The order signed by Trump on Tuesday evening raises import taxes for US firms buying from other countries – but the levy remains at 25% for the UK.
The UK carve-out is dependent on the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) from 8 May, but the order also says the UK levy could rise to 50% if it does not comply with the terms of the EPD from 9 July.
A UK government spokesperson said it remains “committed to protecting British business and jobs across key sectors, including steel as part of our plan for change”.