The US and UK announced the start of bilateral discussions aimed at addressing the US’s use of Section 232 tariffs on British imports and the UK’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods. The announcement was made in a meeting between UK Secretary of State for International Trade Ann-Marie Trevelyan and US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo earlier this month, during which the two governments also discussed global steel and aluminium excess capacity—driven in large part by China—and emphasised the importance of the US and UK’s shared values. The announcement follows shortly after the US and the EU agreed to suspend steel and aluminium tariffs.

The progress made this month between the US and UK is a positive sign for the transatlantic business community. BAB has long opposed the application of punitive tariffs, which act as barrier in the important trade and economic relationship shared by the US and UK. We welcome the commitment to dialogue voiced by both governments and look forward to a speedy and constructive resolution to the Section 232 dispute.