LONDON

British farmers have raised concerns over the potential impact of US tariffs on UK agri-food exports, warning that they could pose significant challenges for the industry.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a minimum of 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, including the UK, set to take effect Saturday.

Trump said his decisions were a "declaration of economic independence."

The tariffs will remain in place until Trump "determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated," according to a White House statement.

The US is the largest market for British agricultural products outside the EU, making any trade barriers a major concern for farmers and food producers.

UK-made meats, cheeses, and traditional products like tea and biscuits have seen growing popularity among American consumers.

Additionally, Scotch whisky, beer, and salmon are among the key agri-food exports regularly shipped across the Atlantic.

However, new tariffs could disrupt this trade, affecting British businesses and farmers who rely on US demand.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has also expressed concern that food products intended for the US from other countries may be redirected to the UK, potentially destabilizing the domestic market.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw emphasized the importance of protecting British agriculture, saying: “The United States is the largest market for British agri-food products outside of the European Union, and our farmers are proud to supply high-quality, authentic, and unique British meats and cheeses to American consumers."

The NFU has pledged to engage closely with policymakers to safeguard the interests of UK farmers and ensure that any new trade measures do not unduly harm the sector.