UK warns nothing is off the table as US moves to 15% global tariff
Feb 23rd 2026
Downing Street says it could take reciprocal action if the US does not honour tariff agreements, while US officials say existing sector deals should still stand after Washington announced a temporary 15% global levy. Analysts say the UK could be disproportionately affected because it had negotiated a 10% deal with the US.
- The US will impose a temporary 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act after the Supreme Court struck down earlier IEEPA-based tariffs.
- The 15% levy is added on top of existing tariffs and exempts some critical goods such as certain minerals, metals and pharmaceuticals.
- Downing Street said nothing is off the table if the US does not honour its tariff deal but emphasised that no one wants a trade war.
- US trade representative Jamieson Greer said trade deals allies negotiated should still stand and the US expects partners to uphold them.
- Think tank Global Trade Alert found the UK could be among the worst hit because it had negotiated a 10% tariff with the US.
- Industry groups are calling for urgent clarity on how UK exports will be treated when entering the United States.