UK Lists US Products for Retaliatory Tariffs and Keeps 'All Options Open'

The UK has launched a formal process to retaliate against Donald Trump's tariffs if it does not secure a trade deal with the US, the business secretary said yesterday.

- Eleni Courea

Jonathan Reynolds told the Commons he was taking the first step toward retaliatory action so as "to keep all options on the table".

The trade department published a 417-page list of US products on which it could impose tariffs, including meat, fish and dairy products, whiskey and rum, clothing, motorcycles and musical instruments.

The tariffs, if implemented, could hit familiar brands such as Jack Daniel's and Harley-Davidson.

It is the first time the government has explicitly threatened to retaliate, and follows Trump's announcement of a blanket 10% import tax on UK goods and 25% on UK cars.

Reynolds said ministers were still pursuing an economic deal with the US as the priority but "we do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured".

Officials will consult businesses on possible retaliatory measures over the next four weeks.

"To enable the UK to have every option open to us in future, I am today launching a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action," Reynolds said. "This is a formal step, necessary for us to keep all options on the table.