'Back our motor industry' plea as job losses loom with tariffs stalling sales

MINISTERS must provide support for British carmakers to prevent job losses as a result of US tariffs, an expert has warned.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

A 25% tariff on all vehicles exported to the US have now come into force, while Donald Trump's 10% levy on other UK products will hit exporters of car parts, Professor David Bailey, of Birmingham University's Department of Management, said carmakers have already been squeezed with their sales falling in China and stagnant demand in EU countries.

He said: “Tariffs will make UK exports to the US more expensive. That will reduce demand. It's going to hit sales and therefore production in the UK. It means lower profits and, therefore, job losses.

“The industry would want to see support.”