New proposed UK-US economic prosperity deal: Customs and compliance insights for LSPs and shippers.

Key highlights of the UK-US trade agreement

The newly signed UK-US trade deal introduces targeted tariff reductions and improved market access across several strategic sectors. These highlights illustrate the most impactful changes for exporters and logistics professionals:

• Automotive sector boost: The U.S. has reduced tariffs on British-made cars from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually, offering a competitive edge to UK car manufacturers.
• Steel and aluminum tariff elimination: The 25% tariffs on UK steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. have been removed, revitalising these critical industries and opening new avenues for exporters.
• Agricultural market access: Both nations have agreed to reciprocal market access for beef, allowing 13,000 metric tonnes of tariff-free exports each way, while the UK will eliminate tariffs on U.S. ethanol imports.
• Aerospace and pharmaceutical sectors: Tariffs on UK aerospace components exported to the U.S. have been lifted, and discussions are underway to grant preferential treatment to UK pharmaceutical products, enhancing supply chain resilience.

What this means for LSPs and shippers

The UK-US trade deal brings clear, actionable advantages for logistics providers and shippers, making transatlantic trade faster, cheaper, and more efficient:

• Reduced costs: Lower tariffs directly translate to cost savings in transportation and customs duties, improving profit margins.
• Streamlined customs procedures: The agreement emphasises expedited customs processing, reducing delays and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
• Increased trade volumes: With improved market access, businesses can anticipate higher trade volumes, necessitating scalable logistics solutions.

The UK-US trade deal: An evolving agreement with more to come

While the current UK-US trade deal introduces welcome tariff reductions and improved customs processes, it is part of a broader, ongoing negotiation. Key sectors such as digital services, agri-food standards, and comprehensive trade in services remain under discussion, with both governments signalling that further agreements are on the horizon. For logistics service providers and shippers, staying agile is essential, as future updates may unlock additional trade routes, alter compliance requirements, or shift tariff structures. Proactive planning and expert customs support will be vital to navigating this dynamic landscape and securing early-mover advantages.

Supporting your business under the new UK-US trade deal

As a full-service customs services provider, we are equipped to help your business navigate the complexities of the new UK-US trade framework. We offer:

• Expert compliance guidance: Our team stays abreast of regulatory changes to ensure your operations remain compliant with the latest trade agreements.
• Efficient customs clearance: Leveraging our expertise, we facilitate swift customs processing, minimising delays and optimising your supply chain.
• Tailored logistics solutions: We offer customised strategies to manage increased trade volumes and capitalise on new market opportunities.