UK business leaders hail US trade deal as major boost for recovery

Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the CBI, praised the move, saying it sends a clear signal that the UK is “a fierce advocate of free and fair trade and a reliable partner with whom to do business.” She urged the government to now focus on working with businesses to unlock the full potential of the deal.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the BCC, described the deal as a “huge sigh of relief” for British businesses, particularly in the automotive, steel, aluminium, aerospace, and pharmaceutical sectors. “The reduction in the 25 per cent tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the removal of levies on steel and aluminium are the biggest wins,” she said, adding that the certainty provided by the agreement would help companies quickly restart orders and rebuild supply chains.

Haviland, however, stressed that this deal should not mark the end of the UK’s trade efforts. She called for further progress on a digital trade agreement and a “bold reset agenda” with the EU to lower trade costs and support growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)