Aysu Bicer
12 March 2025•Update: 12 March 2025
LONDON
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday said the UK does not rule out retaliatory measures against the US in response to President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer expressed "disappointment" over global tariffs currently imposed on the critical industries, but said the government would adopt a "pragmatic approach" moving forward.
His comments came after a question from Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey, who brought up the topic of Trump's "threats" and "tariffs" and asked if Starmer would travel to Canada to show support for its "Commonwealth allies." Trump on Tuesday said he would double the tariffs applied to steel and aluminum imports from Canada to 50%.
Starmer said Canada remains a "very important ally" and that he has spoken with allies on many occasions "about the situation in Canada."
He said negotiations continue for an "economic deal" that would include tariffs "if we succeed" but "we will keep all options on the table."
UK Steel, the country's leading industry group, expressed concern that the move will not only harm direct trade but also push steel trade away from the US and into other markets, such as the UK.
The US remains the UK's second-largest export market for steel after the EU, with exports of specialist steel products accounting for 9% of the total value and 7% of the volume of UK steel exports.
Starmer also welcomed progress in talks between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, saying he will convene a meeting of international leaders on Saturday. Ukraine on Tuesday expressed willingness to agree on a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, and in return the US ended its pause on military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Russia has yet to respond.
The British premier said a “lasting, secure” peace must involve dealing with the issue of the children, adding that he is raising this with allies.
On Gaza, he said he is “really appalled by Israel blocking aid when it is needed at greater volume and speed than it ever been needed.
