Following the UK being subjected to a 10% import tariff by US president Donald Trump on 3 April 2025, the UK government has released a document outlining potential retaliatory tariffs on US imports. British businesses are now being invited to share their views on what a future UK response should look like. City Transport & Traffic Innovation Magazine (CiTTi) has analysed the proposals to understand the possible implications for the transport industry.
President Trump’s decision, framed as a measure to protect the US economy from what he described as years of exploitation by trading partners, marks a significant escalation in trade tensions. He stated: “Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered.”
The UK’s 10% tariff – the lowest among the targeted nations – was met with mixed responses from across the UK private sector, where fears are growing over the potential for job losses resulting from reduced transatlantic trade.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK exported goods and services worth £46.2bn to the USA in 2024, with transport equipment, machinery, and fuel products among the top categories. The USA is the UK’s single largest trading partner, accounting for more than 16% of total exports.
The National Franchised Dealers Association commented: “The announcement of a 10% tariff on all UK imports to the USA, alongside varying tariffs on other countries and trading blocs – notably a 20% tariff on the European Union – poses significant risks to the sector and the global economy as a whole.
READ MORE: Tariff troubles
“The cumulative effects of these tariffs will be profound, impacting our dealer members who have already shown remarkable resilience in the face of economic challenges, as well as manufacturers and the broader automotive industry.”
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also expressed concern, stating that any retaliatory action must avoid collateral damage to UK-based manufacturing and mobility sectors that rely on just-in-time imports of US-origin components.
In response, the UK’s secretary of state for business and trade published on 3 April an indicative list of US-origin goods under consideration for future tariffs.
CiTTi Magazine examined the 417-page document to identify products that, if targeted, could affect the maintenance and development of public transport and urban mobility in the UK.
Many of the listed products are either not currently manufactured at scale domestically or are sourced from US suppliers, making their availability essential to key infrastructure projects.
Electric vehicles and charging
85044095: Static converters for EV electrical systems (excluding UPS, rectifiers, and inverters)
Electric buses
87021011: New electric vehicles for ≥10 passengers (excluding buses and minibuses)
87021019: Used electric vehicles for ≥10 passengers (excluding public-transport vehicles)
Rail vehicles and infrastructure
86031000: Rail locomotives powered from an external electricity source
86090090: Multimodal transport containers (excluding air and tank containers)
Drone and UAV technologies
88022000: Powered aircraft ≤2,000kg (typically includes drones and UAVs by classification)
Sustainable fuel production
27102011: Biodiesel containing ≥70% petroleum or bituminous mineral oils
22071000: Undenatured ethyl alcohol (≥80% vol) used in sustainable fuel blends
Charging stations and infrastructure
85371091: Electric control panels for EV infrastructure (≤1,000V)
Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies
84051000: Producer gas or water gas generators and purifiers
84099900: Parts for non-vehicle internal combustion engines
85044088: Static converters for hydrogen fuel cell systems
Battery and energy storage
85076000: Lithium-ion accumulators (including polymer variants)
85078090: Other non-lithium accumulators (excluding spent batteries)
85043129: Transformers ≤1kVA for EV battery systems
Vehicle components for EVs
85114000: Ignition and starting systems for internal combustion engines
85168080: Electric heating resistors for EV climate control
Transport monitoring and control systems
85269120: Radio navigational aid systems used in smart traffic management
85312020: LCD/LED indicator panels for public transport applications
85371091: Control panels for charging stations or electric depots
Many of these products are integral to the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, particularly in areas such as zero-emission public transport, EV adoption, and hydrogen fuel infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders warn that any supply disruption could delay the UK’s 2035 target to end sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles and undermine ambitions to decarbonise urban mobility.
The UK Department for Business and Trade is inviting UK-based companies to respond to a four-week Request for Input, open until Thursday 1 May, seeking information such as the average value of US imports, potential operational impacts, and relevant tariff codes.
Following the close of the consultation, the department is expected to conduct a regulatory impact assessment and publish its conclusions by summer 2025, which may include an updated list of proposed tariffs or formal negotiations with US trade officials.
UK business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The best interests of British business have shaped our approach throughout, which is why we are asking them for their views on how these tariffs impact their operations and day-to-day lives.
“Our cool-headed, pragmatic approach means that talks with the US will continue to reflect our mandate to deliver economic stability. We are pressing the case for a trading relationship that supports businesses on both sides of the Atlantic and reflects our Plan for Change and the best interests of the UK public.”
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