Input Stories

President Trump announced a trade deal with the U.K. yesterday, and while the details are not yet fully known, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons emphasized the need for certainty as negotiations continue with the U.K. and other countries.

More to be done: “This is a strong start—but not the finish line,” said Timmons. “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.”

Why it matters: “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,” noted Timmons.

• “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.”

Looking ahead: “Despite this integration, the administration has left the so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariff at 10% for many inputs necessary to keep Americans working,” Timmons noted. “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.”

Looking back: 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 bottom line: “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,” Timmons concluded.

• “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.”