The US President Donald Trump and the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are still in “discussions” over the steel tariffs as the deadline nears.
Trump has said that he intends to make a start implementing tariffs on 9 July and Downing Street is not saying if they are confident a deal will be made between the UK and Washington.
The UK government has negotiated a deal that eliminates tariffs on aviation manufacturers and the automotive sector, however for British steel a deal is yet to be struck.
The US tariff rate is currently at 25% and this could rise to 50% after 9 July deadline, it has been reported Trump is putting more pressure on countries who will be affected to start negotiating.
Downing Street was asked if the government is confident a tariffs deal on British steel can be made, a spokesperson said, “Our work with the US continues to get this deal implemented as soon as possible.
“That will remove the 25% tariff on UK steel and aluminium, making us the only country in the world to have tariffs removed on these products.
“The US agreed to remove tariffs on these products as part of our agreement on May 8. It reiterated that again at the G7 last month. The discussions continue and will continue to do so.”
The spokesperson was asked if MPs are confident that the UK will not be slapped with the 50% tariffs, they replied, “As I say, discussions continue.
“We have very close engagement with the US, and the US has been clear that it wants to keep talking to us to get the best deal for businesses and consumers on both sides.”
