June 17 — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to implement elements of a previously agreed tariff arrangement with the United Kingdom, including reduced duties on UK-made vehicles and aerospace products.
The executive order follows recent discussions aimed at easing trade pressures and will allow up to 100,000 UK-manufactured cars to enter the U.S. market with a 10% tariff, instead of the 25% rate introduced earlier this year. The agreement also removes some tariffs on aerospace goods, but steel and aluminum tariffs remain unchanged for now.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement during the G7 summit in Canada, describing it as a significant development in strengthening UK-U.S. economic ties. UK officials noted that the agreement reflects continued efforts to shield key sectors such as automotive and aerospace from higher U.S. import tariffs.
Although the signed order introduces selective tariff relief, it falls short of addressing broader trade concerns. The U.S. has not confirmed whether tariffs on UK steel and aluminum will be revised, but signaled that a framework may be introduced in the near future. President Trump said further details would be provided at a later date.
The agreement will be implemented seven days after its official publication, according to U.S. officials.
Industry representatives have responded positively to the announcement. Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the agreement “will enable many manufacturers to resume deliveries imminently” and restore confidence among U.S. customers.
UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds called the deal the outcome of fast-paced efforts between the two governments to reduce trade burdens. He also confirmed the UK would update parliament on changes to quotas for U.S. beef and ethanol imports.
Under the terms shared last month, the UK has committed to increasing the import quota for U.S. beef from 1,000 to 13,000 metric tonnes while maintaining existing food safety standards.
While the agreement is seen as a step forward in transatlantic trade cooperation, officials confirmed it does not constitute a full free trade agreement, which requires congressional approval in the U.S. The arrangement is narrower in scope and primarily focuses on sector-specific tariff adjustments.
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