Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to meet with U.S. officials in Paris on Tuesday to secure the UK’s exemption from steep U.S. steel tariffs, amid growing uncertainty over former President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Earlier this month, the UK and the U.S. announced a trade agreement that was expected to shield British steel from new levies. However, the deal has not yet been implemented, and key details remain under negotiation. Reynolds is scheduled to discuss the deal’s execution with Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, during their Paris meeting.
The talks come at a critical time, following a turbulent week in the U.S. where a court initially ruled several of Trump-era tariffs unlawful, only for an appeals court to reinstate them pending further review. Meanwhile, Trump recently declared plans to double steel tariffs to 50% starting Wednesday, leaving UK exporters uncertain about the potential impact.
Reynolds’ Paris visit forms part of a three-day diplomatic tour that includes a G7 ministerial meeting and subsequent trade talks in Brussels with EU counterparts. During his trip, he is expected to position the UK as a stable and reliable trading partner amid global economic shifts.
Highlighting recent international trade agreements, Reynolds stated: “Our deals with the US, EU, and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern industrial strategy, our Plan for Change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.”
He added that the UK’s goal is to remove “costly, business-blocking barriers” and expand global trade opportunities, aiming to boost the economy, create jobs, and improve household incomes.
The Conservative opposition, however, has criticized Labor’s handling of the negotiations. Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith accused Labor of misleading the public on the status of the U.S. deal, stating: “One month on, there is no deal in sight, meaning British businesses and workers continue to suffer because of Labor’s failed negotiations.”
He further claimed that Labor’s approach has eroded public trust, saying: “Only the Conservatives are committed to being responsible with the public finances.”
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