Trump hits UK with 10% tariffs as US ignites global trade war

President pledges new 'golden age for America' in combative address

- Pippa Crerar

Donald Trump hit the UK with tariffs of 10% on exports to the US yesterday as he ignited a global trade war that could wipe billions off economic growth.

The US president accused other nations, including allies, of "looting, pillaging, raping and plundering" the US, and announced tariffs on economic rivals including 20% on the European Union and 34% on China.

Downing Street, which had been expecting a 20% rate to be imposed on the UK, will be relieved to have escaped the higher rate, with Keir Starmer's more conciliatory approach to the Trump administration appearing to have paid off.

UK ministers have ruled out imposing retaliatory barriers while talks on an economic deal with the US continue, and are hoping for further carve-outs for UK companies, which export more than £60bn worth of goods to the US a year.

At a press conference in the White House rose garden, Trump said: "For decades, our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike. Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore."

"This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It's our declaration of economic independence. For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense, but now it's our turn to prosper."

Addressing a crowd including his vice president, JD Vance, other members of the cabinet, White House aides and US workers, Trump added: "This will be, indeed, the golden age of America. It's coming back, and we're going to come back very strongly."