UK Goods Exports to US Plummet Amid Tariff Implementation

Britain''s goods exports to the United States suffered a sharp decline in April, dropping by £2 billion to £4.1 billion—the lowest level since February 2022. The Office for National Statistics attributes the downturn to newly imposed US tariffs, which took effect on April 2. Key sectors including precious metals, machinery, transport equipment, and chemicals all recorded significant shipment reductions.

President Trump''s so-called "Liberation Day" measures imposed a blanket 10% tariff on UK goods, with steel, aluminum, and automotive products hit by a steeper 25% duty. The immediate impact was severe: machinery and transport equipment exports fell by £800 million, driven largely by reduced car shipments. Chemical exports declined by £300 million, with pharmaceutical products accounting for much of the slide.

While a partial tariff relief agreement was reached on May 8—covering automobiles and lifting duties on steel and aluminum—British exporters report the changes have yet to take practical effect. The ongoing trade constraints coincide with a widening UK trade deficit across goods and services for the three months through April.