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US President Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium (Image: Getty)
has as the trade war expands globally. The new levy on the metals entering America came into effect at midnight in the US, around 4am GMT.
Britain has so far resisted taking retaliatory action against the move by the US President. But do you think the UK should set out a tit-for-tat response to the taxes? Express readers can vote in our online poll below and let us know more in the comments section.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said “all options” are on the table to respond in the national interest.
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He said: “It’s disappointing the US 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 US to eliminate additional tariffs and to benefit UK businesses and our economy.
“Meanwhile we remain resolute in our support for UK industry. This Government is working with affected companies today, and I back industry’s application to the Trade Remedies Authority to investigate what further steps might be necessary to protect UK producers.
“I will continue to engage closely and productively with the US to press the case for UK business interests. We will keep all options on the table and won’t hesitate to respond in the national interest.”
The EU has already announced it will introduce counter-measures on American goods.
The Government estimates around 5% of UK steel exports and 6% of aluminium exports by volume go to the US, although trade bodies for both industries claim that is an underestimate of the impact.