🇬🇧 United Kingdom vs 🇫🇷 France Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$138B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇫🇷

France

EU Deal Rate15%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$90B

Base Effective Rate15%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

MachineryMotor vehiclesPharmaceuticalsBeverages

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Advantages

+Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%)
+Higher US trade volume ($138B vs $90B)
+Unique export categories: Crude oil, Aircraft engines, Precious metals

🇫🇷 France Advantages

+Unique export categories: Aircraft, Wine, Perfume & cosmetics

United Kingdom and France are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10%) compared to France (15%), a difference of 5%.

Both countries export Machinery, Motor vehicles, Pharmaceuticals, Beverages to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, United Kingdom accounts for approximately $138B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding France's $90B.

France is an EU member and trades under the EU-US deal effective July 1, 2026 — a 15% all-inclusive ceiling with no stacking. United Kingdom is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies, broader than the earlier 46-country proposal.

United Kingdom's advantages include: Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%); Higher US trade volume ($138B vs $90B); Unique export categories: Crude oil, Aircraft engines, Precious metals. France's advantages include: Unique export categories: Aircraft, Wine, Perfume & cosmetics.

For most product categories, United Kingdom currently offers lower import costs due to its tariff advantage. However, importers should consider factors beyond tariffs including shipping costs, lead times, quality standards, and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — United Kingdom or France?

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10% vs 15%). The gap reflects the EU's 15% deal ceiling versus the 10%/12.5% forced-labor tariff on non-EU countries.

Should I switch sourcing from United Kingdom to France?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. The 5% tariff difference is significant but not the only factor. Also weigh durability: the EU's 15% deal rate has no expiry, while non-EU origins pay the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10% or 12.5% by tier) that replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026.

Do both United Kingdom and France face the same base tariff?

No — they are under different regimes as of July 1, 2026. France (EU) trades under the EU-US deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling, which has no expiration date. United Kingdom is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies.

What products overlap between United Kingdom and France exports to the US?

Both countries export Machinery, Motor vehicles, Pharmaceuticals to the US. United Kingdom has total bilateral trade of ~$138B while France has ~$90B.