U.S. Tariffs: What UK businesses need to know

United Kingdom 11.04.25

The United States of America has announced sweeping tariff measures set to impact global trade flows. These changes are expected to significantly affect supply chain planning, landed costs, and import procedures for a wide range of goods.

The new policy will impose:

A baseline 10% tariff on all goods (unless specifically exempt) from all countries. Effective date: 5th April 2025
Reciprocal origin-specific tariffs on approximately 60 countries.

Commodities excluded from the announced measures

Essential goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and aid-related items

Metal and automotive parts already governed under existing Section 232 tariffs

High-priority materials including semiconductors, copper, medical products, and timber

Items currently undergoing Section 232 evaluation

Precious metals (e.g. gold, silver, platinum)

Energy sources and strategic minerals not produced domestically

Key Considerations for UK Supply Chains

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Transatlantic trade under pressure

UK exporters and businesses acting as staging points for Asian goods may see costs rise significantly due to the combined effect of universal and country-specific tariffs. Complex, multi-leg supply chains are particularly exposed.

Implications for US importers

With higher duties applied to a wide range of products, U.S. importers will face margin squeezes. This could lead to renegotiated supply contracts, revised terms of trade, or price hikes across consumer markets.

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Automotive and engineering exposure

The 25% duty on vehicles remains unchanged, but the new 10% blanket tariff will increase total costs on all automotive-related imports. UK-based manufacturers and component suppliers may face tighter profit margins.

Wider cost implications for UK manufacturers

UK manufacturers—even those not directly exporting to the U.S.—could be impacted by increased global prices for raw materials and components, affecting production costs and sourcing decisions.

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Redirection of goods into Europe

Some exporters, especially in Asia, may seek to divert goods away from the U.S. and into European markets. This influx could drive increased competition and downward pricing pressures across several key sectors.

Opportunities for UK Exporters

Whilst many countries now face steep U.S. import tariffs, UK exporters remain subject to a 10% baseline.

This creates an opportunity to strengthen Transatlantic trade, attract U.S. buyers seeking lower duty rates, and expand into new markets. Additionally, the reciprocal tariffs on US-originating goods into other countries or the EU could expose similar opportunities.

Cory Brothers can support exporters looking to seize this advantage. Our UK, EU, and US teams provide both country-specific customs compliance and trade expertise, and an end-to-end logistics service across all modes of transport.

If you are exploring new opportunities, contact us for a consultation.

We are actively monitoring developments and working closely with customs and compliance partners to provide clients with timely updates and strategic solutions.

If your business could be affected, we recommend reviewing current tariff classifications, country-of-origin regulations, and supply chain contracts. Our teams in the UK, U.S., and EU are available to help you assess and adapt.

For further information, please contact your commercial or operational account manager.

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