As President Trump’s tariff war drops into litigation disarray, what does the UK stand to gain - or lose – from a trade deal with the USA?
On Tuesday 3 June the BTC will question representatives of the UK’s most tariff-hit sectors, including Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel, on the impact of the deal as it’s shaping up and what they’re hoping they might yet stand to gain from negotiations.
Meeting details
Representatives of the UK agricultural and bioethanol sectors on the other hand have concerns about increased US access to their markets, and on excluding produce that undercuts UK health and welfare standards. If we do a deal on beef, can we keep out the hormone-enhanced version acceptable to US consumers but not to Britons?
Perhaps the biggest questions remain in the growth-driving tech sector: will the UK compromise on its approach to tech regulation- and how much does it serve British interests if we do? And with critical supply chains and economic security at stake, does consolidating trade links with the US require de-coupling from China? Is it worth it?
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, said: “Britain faces a choice. Do we strike a deal that strengthens our industries—or risk their future in a deal that doesn’t work for all? Our steelworkers, our farmers, our tech pioneers are the backbone of our economic security, so it’s vital that our US trade deal with strengthens not weakens their business.
“These hearings, ahead of the Committee’s visit to Washington, will help make sure we’re clear about whether the deal on the table delivers for British jobs, British standards, and British sovereignty. Because trade is not just about tariffs. It’s about the kind of country we choose to become.”