VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Import Duties: USA

Asked by Ian RoomeLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 4 September 2025UIN 72953

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on small and medium sized businesses of the suspension of the $800 minimum threshold for imports into the United States which is due to come into force on 29 August 2025; and what steps his Department is taking to support (i) sole traders and (ii) other businesses.

Answered by Mr Douglas Alexander

My department is engaging with industry to monitor impacts on small and medium-sized Businesses (SMEs).

We have published information to inform UK businesses and remain in close contact with our US counterparts to seek further clarity as needed. We remain fully committed to empowering SMEs to thrive in international markets through our wide-ranging export support – brought together through the Business Growth Service. Royal Mail’s new service allows SMEs to continue trading with the US, whilst most counterparts have suspended services.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim