UK suspends some tariffs to help firms cope with Trump’s trade war

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United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is suspending tariffs on 89 products in order to ease pressure on companies affected by Washington’s trade war.

The suspension of tariffs on a range of products from electric vehicle batteries to agave syrup extends until July 2027.

The move is part of a wider drive to protect British firms from United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs, including an increase in state-backed loans for companies, The Telegraph reported.

The British government claims the initiative will save U.K. businesses £17 million, which could be passed on to consumers.

The U.K. was slammed with 10 percent U.S. tariffs across the board on April 2, on top of 25 percent duties on aluminum, steel, vehicles and car parts.

On Saturday, the House of Lords approved emergency legislation giving the government the power to bring the last remaining source of virgin steel in the U.K., British Steel, under state control. The U.S. is the second-most important export market for British steel after the European Union.

Starmer has said the U.K. will “keep calm and fight for the best deal with the U.S.” while also working with other countries to reduce trade barriers.

Under the tariff plan announced Sunday, the products that will now face zero import duties when entering the U.K. also include pasta, canned pineapples, fruit juice, coconut oil, plywood and plastics.

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