The British government on Wednesday said it was disappointed with President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports but did not follow the European Union in retaliating.
Britain had hoped to avoid tariffs on its steel sector, which is small but produces specialist products for defence and other industries.
Recall that Trump last month said the two countries might reach a bilateral trade deal that would avert duties.
The British government had also said its provision of key goods for the US defence, oil and gas and construction sectors meant it should be given a carve-out.
Trump imposed global tariffs of 25% on all imports of steel and aluminium on Wednesday which he said would reorder global trade in favour of the United States.
The EU responded by saying it would impose counter-tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28 billion) worth of US goods from next month.
“It’s disappointing the U.S. has today imposed global tariffs on steel and aluminium.
“We are focused on a pragmatic approach and are rapidly negotiating a wider economic agreement with the U.S. to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy,” Britain’s business minister Jonathan Reynolds said.
A British official said on Tuesday that the government would not impose retaliatory trade tariffs on the United States and focus instead on trying to secure an exemption.
The head of the British steel trade body, UK Steel, questioned whether Trump realised Britain was an ally, not a foe.
“Our steel sector is not a threat to the U.S., but a partner to key customers, sharing the same values and objectives in addressing global overcapacity and tackling unfair trade,” Director General Gareth Stace said.