The NFU is working at pace with government ministers and officials in the Department for Business and Trade to ensure that UK agri-markets can act swiftly in response to potential disruption as a result of new 10% tariffs from the US.

President Donald Trump has announced new import taxes on all goods entering the US, describing the new measures as “reciprocal” and needed to rectify trade imbalances such as duties, non tariff barriers and trade deficits.

Tariffs of 10% will be introduced from Saturday 5 April on all UK imports and 20% on those from the European Union. President Trump said the measures were needed because countries were taking advantage of the US by imposing high tariffs and other trade barriers.

The decision to impose additional 10% tariffs upon these products means UK goods entering the US will lead to higher prices for US consumers and provide uncertainty for UK exporters.

Responding to the news, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said:

“We have been working closely with the government in the lead up to the announcements. While the UK has been hit by a lower baseline tariff compared to the EU, this remains a challenge for the UK and for agriculture, with the US being our second largest export market beyond the EU."

“While this is a developing and concerning situation, we are working in genuine partnership with the government and sharing our expertise on this to ensure, if there is any market disruption in response to a change in the movement of goods and products between affected countries, we can respond swiftly.”

Working hand in glove with government

Tom added:

“The United States is the largest market for British agri-food products outside of the European Union and our farmers are proud to supply high quality, authentic, and unique British meats and cheeses to American consumers."

"We stand united in our desire to work together to ensure British farmers and growers are at the forefront of any decision-making and will continue to work hand in glove with government as the situation develops.”

President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs may result in products destined for the US market being redirected to the UK market, negatively impacting our market.

During our conversations with government minsters, we have urged them to closely monitor the agri-markets to ensure that they can act promptly if we see disruption and a potential surge in imports.

Standing up for UK agriculture

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said British businesses support the “calm-headed approach” the government is taking with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying in a speech to business leaders:

“We are prepared, indeed one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head.”

The news follows a week of media reports that the UK Government was exploring a potential trade deal with the US to avoid reciprocal tariffs.

And, on 27 February, during a joint press conference, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that work was in motion on a new economic deal.

All four UK farming unions warned the government to stand up for UK agriculture in any trade negotiations after farmers and growers have been repeatedly let down by previous governments in trade deals.

Three image montage picturing NFU President Tom Bradshaw, the Department for Business and Trade sign and Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Photograph: Alamy