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By Staff Writer with Agencies
LONDON – March 12, 2025 — Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that the UK will keep “all options on the table” following the imposition of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. by President Donald Trump. The UK steel industry, already battling high energy costs and low domestic demand, now faces the added pressure of these global tariffs, with jobs at risk and the sector’s stability threatened.
The tariffs, which took effect at 4 a.m. GMT, add a blanket 25% duty on steel and aluminum entering the U.S. While the UK government has acknowledged that only around 5% of UK steel exports and 6% of aluminum exports by volume go to the U.S., industry bodies argue that these numbers underestimate the scale of shipments. In 2023, the UK exported 166,433 tonnes of steel to the U.S., making it the second-largest export market for British steel after the European Union.
In Parliament, Sir Keir expressed his disappointment over the tariffs, emphasizing that the UK would adopt a pragmatic approach and continue working toward a broader economic deal that might include tariffs. He responded to Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who called for a tougher stance against the U.S., saying, “We will keep all options on the table.” Starmer’s comments followed attempts to negotiate directly with Trump, including a phone call with the U.S. president on Monday night in a last-ditch effort to prevent the tariffs.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stressed that the government is focused on securing a wider trade deal with the U.S., with both sides having indicated the possibility of a future agreement during discussions between Starmer and Trump last month. Despite these efforts, the UK now faces the immediate fallout of the tariffs, with industry groups like UK Steel and the Aluminium Federation (Alfed) warning of severe consequences.
UK Steel’s Director General, Gareth Stace, condemned the tariffs as “hugely disappointing” and expressed frustration that the U.S. had imposed them despite the UK’s status as an ally. Stace highlighted the difficult timing of the move, as the British steel industry is already struggling with high energy costs and the global oversupply of steel.
Nadine Bloxsome, Chief Executive of the Aluminium Federation, shared concerns about trade diversion due to EU countermeasures, which will further complicate the UK’s trade landscape. She warned that the UK could see an influx of low-cost imports, destabilizing the domestic market. Alfed, however, praised the UK government’s consultation with the industry as it navigates these challenges.
The stock market has also felt the impact of Trump’s tariff measures. London’s FTSE 100 Index, which had plummeted the previous day, showed only a slight recovery on Wednesday, gaining 0.2%. Wall Street saw similar declines, with recession fears escalating amid the growing concerns of a trade war.
As the UK steel and aluminum industries brace for the economic effects of these tariffs, Sir Keir’s pledge to keep all options open suggests that a continued response to the U.S. trade actions may be on the horizon. The coming months will be crucial as the UK navigates the complex web of global trade tensions and seeks a way to safeguard its industries.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.