UK says disappointed with US tariffs on steel and aluminium

Britain's trade minister Jonathan Reynolds said on Wednesday he was disappointed the U.S. imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium, while adding that the UK is negotiating a wider economic agreement with the U.S.

"I will continue to engage closely and productively with the U.S. to press the case for UK business interests," Reynolds said, adding that the UK will keep all options open and won't hesitate to respond in the national interest.

The government is working with affected companies, Reynolds said in a statement, and he was backing industry's application to the Trade Remedies Authority to investigate what further steps might be necessary to protect UK producers.


U.S. President Donald Trump's increased tariffs on steel and aluminium imports took effect on Wednesday as prior exemptions, duty free quotas and product exclusions expired, as his campaign to reorder global trade norms in favour of the U.S. stepped up.