US Tariffs on Imports from United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's 10% tariff rate continues under Section 122 authority after the SCOTUS ruling — unchanged from the IEEPA floor rate. Post-Brexit, the UK benefits from a Section 232 steel and aluminum tariff-rate quota (TRQ) arrangement, and its ability to negotiate directly with the US gives it more trade policy flexibility than EU member states. US imports from the UK total approximately $65B annually.

Post-Brexit, the UK has sought to deepen trade ties with the US, but a comprehensive bilateral FTA has not been concluded. The UK has a Section 232 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for steel and aluminum, meaning qualifying volumes enter without the 25% surcharge. Annual US-UK goods trade totals approximately $130B. Negotiations on a bilateral trade deal have progressed on specific sectors but a full FTA remains elusive. The UK's independent trade policy (separate from the EU since Brexit) allows it to negotiate directly with the US.

Key Products Imported from United Kingdom

Top imports include machinery, pharmaceuticals, vehicles (Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Bentley), crude oil, alcoholic beverages (Scotch whisky, gin), precious metals, aircraft engines (Rolls-Royce), and chemicals. The UK is also a major financial services exporter, though this is services-based.

Recent Changes

Feb 20, 2026: SCOTUS struck down IEEPA tariffs 6-3 — the UK's rate is unchanged at 10% under Section 122 (effective Feb 24, expires ~July 24, 2026), since the UK was already at the IEEPA floor. Section 232 steel and aluminum TRQ arrangement remains in place, exempting qualifying volumes from the 25% surcharge. Scotch whisky tariffs from the Boeing-Airbus dispute remain suspended. The SCOTUS ruling has leveled the playing field: EU countries dropped from 20% to 10%, eliminating the UK's previous rate advantage over the bloc. US-UK sector-by-sector trade talks continue.

Tips for Importers

The UK's rate advantage over EU suppliers has disappeared — both are now at 10% Section 122, whereas the UK previously enjoyed a 10-point edge. The Section 232 TRQ for steel and aluminum remains valuable: qualifying volumes enter without the 25% surcharge, so monitor quota utilization levels closely. Scotch whisky faces the 10% Section 122 tariff plus MFN spirits duties — compare with duty-free spirits from FTA countries. Pharmaceuticals enter at 0% MFN, making the 10% Section 122 the only layer. Rolls-Royce aircraft engines should be classified carefully under HTS codes with potential 0% MFN treatment. The Section 122 tariff expires ~July 24, 2026 — plan accordingly.