UK Leans on Trump Admin for Zero-Tariff Steel Deal—Because Nothing Says ’Special Relationship’ Like Begging for Trade Mercy

Britain’s latest trade gambit? Pressuring the Trump administration to scrap steel tariffs entirely—because post-Brexit desperation pairs well with American protectionism.

Whitehall’s brass-knuckle diplomacy: Secure duty-free access for UK steel exports before the next election cycle turns US trade policy into a campaign prop.

Meanwhile, commodity traders yawn—steel’s so 20th century. Where’s the crypto angle?

Reynolds heads to Paris to force clarity on trade deal timing

Reynolds will use the meeting in Paris to push for real timelines. That’s the only way the UK can get a grip on the consequences of the new tariffs. Despite the May 8 agreement being described by Starmer as a breakthrough, it’s non-binding, and Washington hasn’t provided any clear signal on when—or if—the tariff changes will actually happen.

Meanwhile, industries back home are in limbo. Gareth Stace, director-general of UK Steel, called Trump’s decision to hike tariffs “a body blow.” Stace warned, “Uncertainty remains as to whether and when our second-biggest export market will be open for business or is being firmly shut in our faces.”

And it’s not just steel. The UK is also chasing the implementation of a second part of the May 8 deal: cutting US tariffs on British cars. Trump agreed to slash the 27.5% tariff to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles per year. Starmer said this part of the deal could protect British auto jobs, especially at firms like Jaguar Land Rover. But just like the steel deal, this one’s stuck in the same holding pattern—agreed but not enacted.

The UK already gave up market access to get those tariff cuts. In exchange, the UK government allowed more US imports of beef, ethanol, and industrial products. But none of the trade benefits—on either side—have actually taken effect. The UK government said it’s still “working to ensure that businesses can benefit from the deal as quickly as possible” and that the next steps WOULD be announced “in due course.”

Trump tariffs still moving forward despite court rulings

British officials in Washington are trying to speed things up. They’ve been holding talks with the US Department of Commerce in hopes of pushing the agreement forward. One UK official insisted, “The original deal stands, in our view.”

But even as the UK presses for movement, Trump’s new tariffs are charging ahead. The US Court of International Trade ruled on Wednesday that the so-called “liberation day” tariff scheme—Trump’s broad plan to reimpose sweeping trade duties—was illegal.

The decision was immediately paused by a federal appeals court, meaning there’s no legal block stopping Trump from pushing his new 50% steel tariff forward.

And there’s another problem: Trump’s not fully focused. Trade experts say the US president is tangled in multiple court fights and legal battles that are likely to slow or sideline any real movement on UK trade. As one British official put it, the problem isn’t the paperwork, it’s the politics.

The UK, for its part, says it plans to present the Economic Prosperity Deal and all related legislation to Parliament, but there’s still no date. And the clock is ticking. The steel tariff hike kicks in Wednesday, and without action from Trump’s team, UK exporters will be hit hard.

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