Trump tariffs live: US unveils 10% reciprocal tariff on imports from UK and 20% on EU in global trade shake-up

The prime minister will face a pair of brick stains because he does not win a cut -out of rates with what many people see as a fawning to Donald Trump, writes David Maddox, The independentpolitical editor.

But while the world consumes the beautiful news of reciprocal rates that are unleashed around the world, Sir Keir Starmer can get a little satisfaction from his work and hope that there is at least a quick solution to this nightmare for the UK.

As Downing Street pointed out quickly, the minimum rate of 10 percent imposed on the UK is much better than others, especially the EU. This is literally the difference between thousands of jobs and losing.

There were positive sounds from Downing Street that the UK and America, despite free speech problems, are near a trade agreement that would even see these rates disappear.

However, there is a lot of waiting and seeing it.

So, while Starmer and his ministers can now take satisfaction from their efforts, there is still a lot of work ahead and high interests. These rates erase the chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic main space.

A failure to get rid of them will leave the British government in many problems.

At least one Brexite has suggested that European manufacturers move their businesses to the UK to take advantage of the lower 10% tariff than the 20% in the EU.

The head of the British Chamber of Commerce says the new rates will cause havoc on business communities worldwid, but that the retaliation tariffs should only be a last resort.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General, said: “The government has so far held a cool head and must continue to negotiate. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and getting the best agreement for the UK is most important.

“But no one will escape the fallout of these decisions, there will be an increased risk of trading, and it will cause a havoc on business communities around the world. Orders will fall, prices will rise and the global economic demand will be weaker as a result. It is a losing-lost situation for everyone.

‘It is therefore extremely important that the government does not give up with negotiations. Rates can be lifted at any time and the US has indicated that it is willing to do some form of agreement with us.

“The UK is not without influence, our bilateral trade with the US is worth £ 300bn, we have invested £ 500bn there and it has £ 700bn in our economy. There is a high level of co-dependence and we are talking to businesses in the UK to consider the government to consider.”

She said that tax decisions should be made very carefully, and the government must keep everything on the table during conversations, but retaliation tariffs should only be a last resort.

“Many firms, especially SMEs, will now face difficult decisions, and we call on the government to do everything in the power to provide practical support to them.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the new rates of Mr. Trump is wrong, and that she hoped to work with the US and Europe to avoid a trade war that would weaken the West.

The Prime Minister’s office hinted at relief that the announcement was no worse.

A downing street -source said: ‘We don’t want rates at all, but a lower levy than others confirm our approach.

‘This is important because the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of jobs.

“We will continue to negotiate, stay cool and stay calm. We want to negotiate a sustainable trade agreement, and of course to lower rates. Tomorrow we will continue with work.”

No immediate retaliatory measures are expected from the government as it focuses on trying to strike the hoped economic agreement with the US.

But experts believe that more than 25,000 jobs in the British car manufacturing may be at risk due to the 25% tariff on cars.

There is “no justification” for US tariffs that will hit Ireland, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said.

The Taoiseach said: “Ireland believes in open and free trade and that the imposition of rates is bad for the global economy. I regret the US decision to impose 20% tariffs on importing across the European Union. We see no justification for this.”

Mr. Martin said: “It is a time for dialogue now, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only wise. A confrontation is in nobody’s interests.”

UK Steel has asked for a significant intervention to help the industry out of a ‘crisis’.

Director -General Gareth Stace said: “Three weeks ago, President Trump delivered a cataclysmic strike to the UK steel export for US manufacturers.

“The new rates of 10%, piled up on the existing 25% levies, not only paste the knife again, but to turn it into the wound this time for the maximum effect.

‘The British government must continue its efforts to enter into an agreement with the US, but we acknowledge that it is willing from both sides …

“We can’t afford to wait any longer as our export is damaged, and our market is undermined by rising imports. UK steel has warned that the steel crisis has been deep in some time and daring, decisive and significant interventions are needed.”