UK is set to be among worst hit by Trump's 15% tariff, analysis suggests
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UK is poised to be significantly impacted by US President Donald Trump's 15% global tariff, according to recent analysis. The British Chamber of Commerce has warned that the UK would "sit towards the bottom" of a list ranking countries affected by these tariffs if they are implemented. However, it’s important to note that this new 15% levy does not apply to specific sectors like steel, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and aerospace, which have already been addressed in existing trade agreements between the UK and the US.
The situation is further complicated by a recent Supreme Court ruling, which invalidated most of Trump's previous global tariffs due to overreach. While this decision doesn’t affect sector-specific deals, it leaves the 15% tariff intact for other goods. Global Trade Alert points out that countries like China and Brazil, who have been heavily criticized by the Trump administration, could actually benefit since their current tariffs are higher than 15%. Meanwhile, US trade representative Jamieson Greer has emphasized that existing sector-specific deals remain valid and will not be renegotiated.
This development highlights a significant shift in global trade dynamics
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026