Fresh Uncertainty As New 10 Per Cent Tariff Introduced

Reacting to a new 10 per cent US Tariff being introduced overnight instead of the expected 15 per cent, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“While a new 10 per cent tariff rate, instead of the threatened 15 per cent, will provide some relief it shows how difficult it is for businesses to plan ahead.

“It is far from clear what will happen next, and whether a higher tariff rate is still on the way. Despite the immediate reprieve, there is fresh uncertainty for UK firms exporting goods to the US.

“This makes it very difficult for firms to understand the prices and margins they will be able to secure for their goods, currently under production, for export in several months’ time. Inevitably this will have an impact on their sales and hit the economy.

“The BCC has provided government with a six-point plan to guard against the worst economic outcomes from the new tariffs and potential further hikes.

“This includes continued negotiation with the US government, engagement with the US Congress, an uplift in UK Export Finance capacity and reviewing the UK’s Global Tariffs.

“The risk of further tariff pain to come is still real and the government must do everything it can to prepare for the worst.”

Read more latest news from the BCC here.

24.02.2026