Striking developments are taking place in the United Kingdom. According to The Times, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to the introduction of a so-called “permanent” tariff of 25%. What choice did he have? The reason is President Donald Trump’s tough stance during negotiations.
In the end, the British Prime Minister gave up hope of reaching a deal on steel tariffs with Trump. The issue was discussed during the US president’s state visit to the UK.
According to The Times, London agreed to a permanent 25% tariff on steel and aluminum exports. This decision came after the United States adopted a hardline during talks. British negotiators concluded that a fixed rate of 25% without additional quotas was the more advantageous deal. In this arrangement, UK exports gain a competitive advantage compared to countries facing the standard 50% tariff.
A source in Britain’s steel industry explained that the initial failure to agree on quotas in the previous deal, particularly regarding automobiles, was a fatal mistake. Starmer emphasized that this arrangement was completely contrary to what had originally been proposed.
