Boris Johnson 'disappointed' as Trump aims tariffs at UK products EU leaders and industry bodies are urging Donald Trump to negotiate a trade peace deal rather than fan the flames.

Image: President Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday night that the WTO ruling was a 'big win' for America

Downing St has added its voice to criticism of a new front in President Donald Trump's trade war which is set to hit UK firms.

A spokesman said the prime minister was "disappointed" the US was aiming 25% tariffs at UK products, including Scotch whisky and pullovers, as part of its spat with the EU over historic state support for Airbus.

The World Trade Organisation is expected to declare early next year whether Brussels can respond with measures of its own after Boeing was also found to have received illegal support from the American taxpayer.

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The tariffs, which will cover £6.1bn of EU imports if imposed, mark the latest step towards a full-blown trade war with the EU as European manufacturers are already facing US tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Mr Trump has also threatened to penalise EU cars and car parts.


The escalation in his dispute with the EU comes at a tough time for the world economy with economists pointing to growing signs of damaged demand because of his trade war with China.

The president argues he is the first US leader to get to grips with the country's trade deficit, accusing other nations of "ripping off" the US for decades.

His core aim is to protect US jobs by forcing US consumers and businesses to buy American.

But US food importers have pleaded for Mr Trump to hold fire, as higher import tariffs will only raise costs to consumers damage their businesses.

He has faced calls from across the EU to negotiate rather than impose the new tariff regime on the product list, which also includes EU cheeses, olives, aircraft and aircraft parts along with French wine.

Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the US have published this list.

"Resorting to tariffs is not in anyone's interest.

"The UK is working closely with the US and EU to support a negotiated settlement to the Airbus-Boeing dispute and to avoid these tariffs from coming in to force."

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was "profoundly worried" that Scotch whisky and other products, such as wool, were to be targeted.

Image: The US is the biggest export market for the Scotch whisky industry

She told MSPs: "I discussed the issue directly with the [Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)] just a couple of weeks ago and we will continue to encourage the UK government to support a negotiated settlement to this.

"We support the efforts of the EU to find that negotiated settlement.

"It is in no-one's interest to have trade wars like this - everyone ends up being a loser."

The industry supports 11,000 jobs and many more in the supply chain. The US is its biggest export market with more than £1bn of whisky delivered across the Atlantic in 2018.

SWA chief executive, Karen Betts, said: "The tariff will undoubtedly damage the Scotch whisky sector.

"We expect to see a negative impact on investment and job creation in Scotland, and longer-term impacts on productivity and growth across the industry and our supply chain.

"We believe the tariff will also have a cumulative impact on consumer choice."