The UK Rejects Call to Boycott American Products Amid New Tariffs

UK Government Rejects Calls to Boycott American Products Amid New Tariffs

On Tuesday, the British government dismissed calls to boycott American products following the new tariffs imposed by the United States. Rachel Reeves, the UK’s Finance Minister, voiced her opposition to such an idea, stating that Britain does not wish to find itself in a trade war that would lead to economic isolation. She remarked, “If all countries in the world decided to buy only locally produced goods, it wouldn’t be a good solution.”

The calls for a boycott came from the Liberal Democrats, the second-largest opposition party, which suggested that Britons prioritize "locally made" products in response to the American tariffs.

In response, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister emphasized that the UK remains an “open trading nation.” They clarified that the government would not advise citizens to avoid American products, as that would contradict Britain’s image as a trading nation. However, they did add that the choice to buy or not buy American goods ultimately lies with consumers.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in on the matter on Monday, committing to reducing tariffs with the UK’s major trading partners. He stressed that the government would continue to work on a trade agreement with the United States despite the new tariffs. During a visit to a Jaguar Land Rover production facility in the West Midlands, he warned that the American tariffs could significantly impact British industries but reaffirmed his government’s determination to support these sectors.

Under the new US trade measures, the UK has secured a relatively low tariff rate of 10% as part of the package announced by President Donald Trump.