New United States tariffs took effect on 24 July 2026, replacing the previous tariff arrangements applying to UK imports. For most UK exporters, the immediate cost position remains unchanged, although the outcome includes welcome relief for whisky alongside continuing concerns about the competitiveness of other British goods.
Most UK goods remain subject to an additional 10% tariff
Most UK-origin goods entering the United States will continue to face an additional tariff of 10%, on top of the standard US customs duty applicable to the product.
The new measure was introduced following US investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. It applies to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from a US customs warehouse for consumption, from 24 July 2026.
Businesses should not treat the headline 10% figure as the total customs duty payable. The full landed cost may include:
- The product’s existing US customs duty
- The additional 10% tariff
- Any applicable anti-dumping, countervailing or sector-specific duties
- Customs clearance, handling and transport costs
The exact treatment will depend on the product’s classification under the United States tariff schedule.
Welcome exemption for whisky
The changes provide welcome confirmation that specified UK whisky products are excluded from the additional tariff.
This is a positive development for one of the UK’s most internationally recognised export industries and could help restore competitiveness in an important overseas market.
Exporters should nevertheless check whether standard US customs duties or other charges continue to apply to their products.
Existing sector arrangements remain unchanged
The arrangements currently applying to automotive products, pharmaceuticals, steel and aluminium have not been changed by the latest announcement.
UK steel and aluminium products retain a comparative advantage, with relevant goods facing US duties of 25%, compared with 50% for many other countries. The existing position for automotive and pharmaceutical trade also remains in place.
This is particularly relevant to the Thames Valley, which has significant business clusters in automotive and advanced manufacturing, alongside one of the UK’s leading health and life sciences ecosystems.
However, businesses must still check whether their individual products fall within the relevant sector arrangements or exemptions. A company should not rely solely on a general product description when calculating the tariff due.
Concerns over UK competitiveness
Although the latest measures provide continuity for many exporters, they may place some UK businesses at a disadvantage compared with suppliers in the European Union and other markets.
For many EU goods, the new US treatment adjusts the additional tariff so that the combined standard customs duty and additional tariff is 10%, where the existing duty is below that level.
By comparison, most UK goods face the standard customs duty plus the full additional 10% tariff.
This difference could affect pricing and purchasing decisions where UK and EU suppliers compete for the same US customers.
The British Chambers of Commerce has also highlighted continuing uncertainty surrounding US investigations into digital services taxes and the possibility of further changes to international trading conditions.
Chamber perspective
The Chamber welcomes the continued stability provided for the automotive, pharmaceutical, steel and aluminium sectors, particularly given the importance of advanced manufacturing and life sciences to the regional economy.
The exemption for specified UK whisky products is also a positive development. However, the continuation of an additional 10% tariff on most UK goods remains a significant commercial challenge for exporters.
Some UK businesses may also find themselves competing against overseas suppliers whose goods receive more favourable tariff treatment when entering the United States.
The Chamber encourages exporters to assess the impact at product and transaction level rather than relying on headline tariff announcements. Businesses should review their classifications, landed costs, Incoterms and contractual responsibilities, while maintaining clear communication with US customers, distributors and customs representatives.
The position remains subject to further policy developments, making continued monitoring and careful customs planning essential.
How TVCC can help
TVCC’s International Trade team supports businesses with customs compliance, tariff classification, Incoterms, export documentation and practical preparation for entering overseas markets.
The team can help exporters understand how changes in tariff treatment may affect their transactions and identify areas requiring further specialist US customs or legal advice.
For support, contact the International Trade team on 01753 870560 or email trade@tvchamber.co.uk.
Further information is available through the British Chambers of Commerce and the official US Government tariff announcements.
