Peter Curran, Head of Dual Market Access
What do the latest US tariffs mean for Northern Ireland manufacturers?
Peter Curran, our Head of Dual Market Access Unit, outlines below the new tariffs announced by the US administration.
Aluminium, Steel & Cars
From 12 March previously announced tariffs of 25 per cent on all aluminium and steel imports into the US came into effect. There were no longer exemptions to individual countries and therefore the tariffs apply equally to the UK and the EU alongside other countries.
Further 25 per cent tariffs were announced by the US on the import of all cars (with effect from 3 April 2025) and all car parts (with effect by 3 May 2025).
New tariffs announced across all products
The above specific tariffs have now been followed up with further tariffs on all products entering the US through an Executive Order by President Trump on the 2 April 2025.
This time a “reciprocal tariff” of 10 per cent will be applied on imports to the US from all countries with effect from 5 April 2025. However, from 9 April this 10 per cent tariff will increase for specific nations. There are also a number of products exempt at this stage that are included in a further Annex to the Executive Order.
From an export perspective, Northern Ireland is part of the UK Customs Territory and any tariffs imposed on UK exports by the US will apply equally in Northern Ireland. The reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump on UK imports has been set at 10 per cent - this is the lowest rate of reciprocal tariffs to be applied and this will not increase under the current Executive Order. Businesses should be aware that negotiations are ongoing between the UK and US governments on an economic agreement. If agreement is reached between both parties, tariffs may be reduced.
Global impact
Countries which will be impacted by planned adjustments to these reciprocal tariffs on the 9 April 2025 include the EU (20 per cent), Japan (24 per cent), Switzerland (32 per cent), China (34 per cent) and Cambodia (49 per cent).
US tariffs can be checked on The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS).
The global trading environment will evolve as nations respond to US tariffs. Any actions by the EU on US imports will likely impact on those NI businesses importing goods from the US. At this point the EU is continuing to consider its response.
Request for input on potential UK measures in response to US tariffs
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade has now requested businesses to input on the impact that any future tariffs may have - if these are applied to US imports. An indicative long list of US products has been drawn up from which the UK government may draw on should the decision be taken to introduce tariffs. Companies can submit a response by 23:59 on 1 May 2025.
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