UK needs ‘cool and clear-headed’ response to Trump steel tariffs, says trade minister

The UK needs a “cool and clear-headed” response to Donald Trump imposing 25 per cent tariffs on British steel exports, the trade minister has said.

The US president announced the heavy levies on foreign steel and aluminium on Monday, saying they will be enforced “without exceptions or exemptions”.

Douglas Alexander, the UK minister of state for trade policy, was called to the House of Commons to answer an urgent question on the president’s proclamation.

He said: “British industry needs and deserves is not a knee jerk reaction, but a cool and clear-headed sense of the UK’s national interest based on a full assessment of all the implications of the US’ actions.”

He added: “Historically, we have benefited from a strong and balanced trade relationship with the United States worth around £300 billion and supporting millions of jobs. So in trade policy, we stand ready to work with president Trump to find solutions that work for both the United Kingdom and the United States.”

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