UK PUBLISHES REQUEST FOR INPUT ON POSSIBLE RETALIATORY TARIFFS
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order (2 April) establishing tariffs on goods imported into the US from 5 April, the UK Government has published (3 April) an “indicative long list” of products – 8,000 tariff lines – from which the government is most likely to draw in developing any future tariffs, with the intention of identifying products where there would be a more limited impact on UK businesses and consumers.
According to the Request for Input the list was developed to identify products whose inclusion would have a more limited impact on the UK, meaning probably very few US-origin imports. Further, “due regard was also given to UK supply chain risks, and wider public interest issues including the provision of medical supplies, and products related to the UK’s national security interests.”
The inclusion of a product on this list does not mean that it will appear in any UK tariff response, should the UK choose to impose tariffs on US goods at all.
It seems unlikely that say, Champagne, Cava or Prosecco with a PDO (CN Codes 2204.10.11, 2204.10.13 and 2204.10.15) would be subject to tariff measures aimed at US producers, as there are none.
Importers of goods from the US should review the list and comment if they are likely to be affected by UK tariff on US-originating products under any of these included tariff codes.
The consultation period closed on 1 May. It appears that the UK Government is determined not to react precipitately to the US action.
