Trade

Washington, D.C. – On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement today in response to President Trump’s newly announced trade agreement with the United Kingdom—the first deal since the administration’s recent shift in global tariff policy last month:

“This is a strong start—but not the finish line. The NAM has long advocated for a comprehensive market-opening trade agreement with the U.K., and we welcome this initial commitment to work together to expand industrial market access—to create more manufacturing jobs and strengthen security on both sides of the Atlantic. This framework provides a meaningful foundation—but much more remains to be done. We will continue urging both governments to deliver a full zero-for-zero tariff agreement on all industrial goods at the end of these negotiations so that manufacturers have the certainty they need to plan, hire and compete.

“The U.K. is the fifth-largest market for U.S.-manufactured goods exports. In 2024 alone, manufacturers exported $61.6 billion in manufactured goods. At the same time, $58 billion in critical inputs—spanning automotive parts, pharmaceutical preparations and construction machinery—were imported from the U.K. to power U.S. production. In some sectors, up to 99% of these transactions are between related parties, underscoring the deeply integrated nature of our supply chains.

“Despite this integration, the administration has left the so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariff at 10% for many inputs necessary to keep Americans working. That’s why the NAM continues to call for zero-for-zero tariffs—adding certainty to strengthen competitiveness, lessen price pressures and support growth.

“We also see potential promise in the administration’s efforts to negotiate tailored arrangements on Section 232 tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum, with like-minded partners who share our national economic security interests.

“As the president indicated, we look forward to seeing full written details of the agreement in the coming weeks. With additional deals on the table—and just 61 days to act on the other 89 agreements—we need certainty and urge the administration to maintain momentum and deliver even more for manufacturers so they can invest, plan, hire and compete in America. At the same time, we urge Congress to make the 2017 tax reforms permanent now. If we see more trade agreements, tax reform legislation and more regulatory certainty—as part of our comprehensive manufacturing strategy—manufacturers win. And when manufacturers win, America wins.”

The Background

The NAM has led efforts to deepen U.S.–U.K. manufacturing ties for years. In Spring 2023, Timmons traveled to London to build support for a new trade accord and signed a memorandum of understanding with Make UK to strengthen bilateral manufacturing cooperation. The NAM has remained focused on core priorities, including:

• The elimination of tariffs and nontariff barriers;
• Strong digital trade commitments;
• Robust engagement on intellectual property issues;
• Collaboration on standards, technical regulations, testing procedures and conformity assessment; and
• Ensuring stronger alignment on customs procedures and approaches.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.