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Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries

Asked by Andrew GriffithConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 12 June 2025UIN 58285

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will provide indemnities to automotive companies for the period following the announcement of the UK-US trade deal but prior to the implementation of lower tariff rates.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

The deal agreed on 8 May will protect jobs in the automotive and steel industries. Talks with the US are ongoing to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure that UK businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

The US has committed to removing Section 232 tariffs on steel. In addition, it has pledged to reduce tariffs on automotives faced by UK exporters by developing a quota system – which will save thousands of jobs in the UK.

We remain committed to working in close partnership with industry to support their needs and ensure that the interests of British businesses are at the forefront of our engagement with the US.

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