Responding to the news, a U.K. government spokesperson said: “This is a matter for the U.S. to determine but we will continue to support U.K. businesses as further details are announced.
“The U.K. enjoyed the lowest reciprocal tariffs globally, and under any scenario we expect our privileged trading position with the U.S. to continue.
“We will work with the Administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the UK and the rest of the world.”
But William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said the ruling “does little to clear the murky waters for business,” pointing out that the president could theoretically use the 1974 Trade Act to impose even higher tariffs on the U.K.
“The court’s decision also raises questions on how U.S. importers can reclaim levies already paid and whether U.K. exporters can also receive a share of any rebate depending on commercial trading terms,” he added.
“For the U.K., the priority remains bringing tariffs down wherever possible. It’s important the UK government continues to negotiate on issues like steel and aluminium tariffs and reduces the scope of other possible duties.”
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