UK car production lowest in 76 years after Trump tariffs

UK car and van production plunged to its lowest level since 1949 last month as some exports to the US were halted amid Donald Trump’s trade war.

- By Saskia Koopman

A total of 49,810 vehicles were made in May, down 33% on the year and the worst month in 76 years outside the Covid shutdowns in 2020, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It came after Mr Trump imposed steep tariffs on foreign-made cars, prompting firms like Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover to suspend their US shipments from April.

UK vehicle exports to America fell by 55% in May and the country accounted for just 11% of our automotive exports, down from 18%.

Exports to the EU dropped 22.5%.