Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced the UK is taking the first formal step towards retaliatory tariffs on US goods, should a trade deal with the Trump administration not be reached. In a statement to the House of Commons, Reynolds said the government is “keeping all options on the table” after President Trump imposed a 10% import tax on British products and 25% on cars.
The Department for Business and Trade has published a 417-page list of US products that could face tariffs, including meat, fish, dairy, whiskey, rum, clothing, motorcycles and musical instruments. Familiar brands such as Jack Daniel’s and Harley-Davidson could be affected if the measures are implemented.
Reynolds emphasised that securing an economic deal with the US remains the priority, but warned: “We do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured.” A four-week consultation with businesses will run until 1 May, allowing firms to have their say on potential retaliatory measures.
The move marks the first explicit threat of retaliation by the UK since Trump’s tariff announcement. However, ministers are keen to avoid a full-blown trade war. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government would respond with “cool and calm heads” and noted that the UK received the lowest tariff rate imposed by the US – 10% compared with 20% for the EU. Downing Street confirmed that negotiations with Washington are at an “advanced stage”.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned countries not to retaliate, saying that failing to do so would mean the tariffs represent the “high end”. Reynolds acknowledged the warning but stressed that the UK remains focused on striking a deal: “We have been able to progress talks on a range of issues, and I absolutely believe a deal can be done.”
