Navigating the New US Tariffs – Get Expert Support on Classification and Origin

New Tariffs Now in Effect – Are You Prepared?

As of 5 April 2025, a sweeping new US tariff regime came into force, placing immediate pressure on exporters globally. Steel and aluminium tariffs applied to UK exports from 12 March 2025. Some of these tariffs were subject to a changed legal basis following the US Supreme Court ruling in February 2026, and could potentially be subject to further adjustment from 24 July 2026. 

• UK-origin goods are subject to an additional 10% import tariff on top of existing most-favoured nation US tariffs by good or commodity (in place since 5 April 2025, but applied under a different legal basis since February 2026) with some exceptions. 

• Automobile imports from the UK are subject to a 10% tariff (in place since 30 June 2025) for a per capita quota of 65,000 vehicles in 2025, and 100,000 vehicles each calendar year thereafter. Imports above quota level will face tariffs at 27.5%. These tariffs are in place of the 10% tariffs outlined above.  

• Steel and aluminium products and derivatives thereof are subject to a 25% tariff (in place since 12 March 2025) instead of the baseline tariffs. The range of derivative products in scope for tariffs including construction and manufactured goods was widened by several hundred items in mid-2025. Changes to these tariffs were effective from 6 April 2026 exempting some derivative products from the tariffs, like drink cans, and applying a reduced 15% tariff to other UK derivatives subject to melt and pour, or smelt and pour rules. An additional lower rate of 10% applied to derivative products made with US melted and poured steel. The 25% duty rate applies now to the entire customs value of the derivative product, not just the steel or aluminium component of the goods.  

• Semi-finished copper products and intensive derivatives thereof like wiring or pipes have been subject to 50% tariffs from 1 August 2025. A 25% rate applies to other copper derivative products. 

• Tariffs on timber and lumber plus some derivative products like upholstered furniture took effect on 14 October. On goods of UK origin the tariffs are capped at 10% and are not stacked with the global baseline tariffs (at 10% plus existing MFN rates) applicable in many other goods sectors. 

• Pharmaceutical products of UK origin are not subject to import duties following a deal reached by both governments in December 2025. The text of the full agreement was published in April 2026. 

• The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) is conducting an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act 1974 with a view to assessing the implications for US goods of the practices of the UK and 80 other countries on goods allegedly made with forced labour having access to their markets. If the investigations result in findings of apparent trade barriers against US goods, then tariffs could be applied from 24 July, when the current 10% section 122 tariffs are due to expire. Further section 301 investigations could be imminent on UK digital services taxes and their claimed effects upon US tech companies. 

• The BCC is urging the UK government to secure a legal text in negotiations with the US Administration to implement the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) in full, including the commitments on steel and aluminium tariff rate quotas, services and digital trade. 

• Duties paid under the Proclamations and Executive Orders under IEEPA authority invalidated by the US Supreme Court in February 2026 can be refunded to companies under phased implementation of the new Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system from 20 April 2026, with approved refunds typically being actioned within 60-90 days. There is no plan for refunding duties paid by individual consumers currently.  

Disclaimer: Information is correct as of 1 May 2026. 

Goods containing more than 15% steel or aluminium are affected by the duties on derivative products — and being able to prove UK origin is now critical to avoid higher duty charges applicable to derivative products of other country origin. 

UK Exporters

Failing to correctly classify your goods or provide clear origin documentation can result in:  

• Higher costs due to misapplied tariffs 

• Delays or detentions at customs 

• Risk of penalties or backdated duties  

With the US now applying certain country-specific tariffs, with a potential extension of these in July 2026 it’s essential that UK exporters take action to ensure goods are not only accurately classified but also supported by origin documentation. 

How ChamberCustoms Can Support You

We’re already working with UK companies to assess the impact of these changes and respond effectively. Whether you need support with classification, origin, or supply chain decisions, our expert Customs Consultants can help.

Commodity Code Review

We’ll review your current classifications against the Harmonised System (HS), helping you avoid costly misclassification errors or overpayments.

Rules of Origin Support

We’ll assess your goods’ origin under preferential and non-preferential rules to help you evidence UK origin correctly and reduce your tariff exposure.

Strategic Advice on Supply Chains

For some, rethinking sourcing or processing (e.g. using US-origin steel or aluminium) could lower duty liability. But these options require careful evaluation — we’ll help you assess the commercial impact and available routes.

Real-World Insight: Supporting UK Traders 

Our team recently worked with a UK manufacturer who were facing 25% tariffs on exports to the US. With over £10 million in annual US sales, they urgently needed to understand the impact and explore potential options to protect their margins.

Our Consultancy Provided:

• A full review of their current tariff classifications

• Analysis of possible reclassification options

• Exploration of a potential binding tariff ruling

• Advice on strategic steps related to product origin and supply chain design

We were able to help them understand their exposure, identify longer-term opportunities, and make informed commercial decisions. 

Facing New Tariffs? We're Here to Help.

Whether you’re just starting to assess the impact or need expert help right away, we can support you. Let’s work together to ensure your business stays compliant, competitive, and ready for what’s next.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our Customs Executives.

Who we are

• ChamberCustoms is wholly owned by the British Chamber of Commerce.

• Our consultants are experienced in all aspects of compliance in international trade.

• We harness the reach, expertise and knowledge of a network of experts in 51 Chambers across the country.

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