Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Britain has said the United States’ latest decision to impose tariffs on its trading partners over forced labour concerns would have no negative effect on UK businesses.
“There is no negative change to the tariff rate facing UK businesses as a result of this announcement.
Our agreement with the US remains in place, and today we see an improvement to our trading terms with zero tariffs on whisky and medical technology,” a Government spokesperson said.
“The UK remains on a 10 per cent tariff rate”, it said and added, “We take forced labour very seriously and ensure that in global supply chains UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour and human rights violations.
“The US has recognised the steps the UK is taking, which is why there are no additional tariffs for the UK under this announcement.” The new levies come in at between 10 per cent and 12.5 per cent on countries including the UK, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, China and the 27 countries that make up the EU.
However, under the rules, the UK could be eligible for exemptions on products where it would encourage compliance in meeting this commitment., according to Independent.
The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country. In 2024, UK exports to the US were worth £66 billion, 17 per cent of all UK goods exports.
