Sir Keir Starmer Faces Pressure to Secure Deal with Trump on Steel Tariffs
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, is facing increasing pressure to secure a deal with US President Donald Trump after the president announced a 25% tariff on steel imports. This move has sparked concerns about the future of Britain's steel industry.
Trump has defended the tariffs as a way to "make America rich again," but he has also indicated a willingness to exempt Australia from the tariffs due to its trade surplus with the US. This has raised concerns that the UK, which runs a trade deficit with the US, may not receive the same treatment.
In response to the tariffs, Labour's shadow trade minister, Dame Harriett Baldwin, has criticized the government for not taking a more proactive approach in securing a deal with the US. She has also argued that the government's previous criticisms of Trump have damaged the UK's relationship with the US.
The UK government has stated that it is not considering retaliatory tariffs against the US. However, the steel industry has called for action to mitigate the potential impact of the tariffs.
The UK exported 166,433 tonnes of steel to the US in 2023, making the US the world's second-largest export market for UK steel after the EU. The government has stated that the US accounted for only 5% of UK steel exports in 2023.
The UK Steel director general, Gareth Stace, has expressed disappointment at the tariffs, arguing that the UK produces world-leading steel that is essential for various sectors in the US.
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has said that he had a constructive phone call with Trump and that the US president agreed to consider exempting Australia from the tariffs.
It remains to be seen whether the UK will be able to secure a similar deal with the US. The outcome of the negotiations could have a significant impact on the UK steel industry.
6 Comments
Matzomaster
Framing Trump as a potential ally in trade is dangerously misleading. His track record speaks for itself, and so should our policy decisions.
Rotfront
This article portrays Trump as someone who can be dealt with like a card in a game. It trivializes the gravity of imposing such high tariffs on our steel.
Karamba
This is a classic case of political pandering—selling out our national pride just to appease a dictatorial mindset.
Matzomaster
The steel industry is vital for so many jobs. If meeting with Trump might lead to some relief from the tariffs, it’s a step worth taking.
Rotfront
Diplomacy is all about tough negotiations. I support any attempt to secure a better deal for British steelmakers in light of these tariffs.
Leonardo
Everything in the article makes sense—if it means protecting the livelihoods of people in the UK steel sector, then every possible avenue must be explored.