Carmaker Jaguar Land Rover issues response to imposition of 25% tariffs on car imports into the US – a key market for the company. Tony McDonough reports

Carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has issued a short response to the imposing of tariffs on all cars imported into the US – a key market for the business.

JLR, which employs more than 3,500 people at its factory in Halewood, will face 25% tariffs on all of its vehicles being shipped to the US. Other exports to America will face a 10% tariff.

In its statement, JLR said: “Our luxury brands have global appeal and our business is resilient, accustomed to changing market conditions. Our priorities now are delivering for our clients around the world and addressing these new US trading terms.”

This move by President Trump to impose import tariffs on countries around the world has prompted fears of a global shock that could lead to an economic slump.

Britain alone ships around £60bn of goods to the US each year, including pharmaceuticals, cars, and high-tech equipment.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is still hopeful of striking a trade deal with President Trump that may offset some of the impact of the tariffs, although that could still be months away.

Sir Keir said he was determined to “act in Britain’s interests”. He added: “Decisions we take in coming days and weeks will be guided only by our national interest, in the interests of our economy, in the interests of businesses around this table, in the interests of putting money in the pockets of working people.

“Clearly, there will be an economic impact from the decisions the US has taken, both here and globally. But I want to be crystal clear: we are prepared, indeed one of the great strengths of this nation is our ability to keep a cool head.”

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Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told BBC Breakfast that he’s “disappointed” extra tariffs have been placed on the UK. He said the average tariff rate on the UK is around 4% and he doesn’t think 10% is a “fair reflection of how we currently trade”.

Mr Reynolds added one of the Government’s “principal concerns” was the impact of the 25% tariffs on the automotive sector. He said “there is no need for them” and that the UK needs to try to negotiate to get those tariffs removed.