After the US government announced it would be hitting the UK with a new 10% import tariff, British-made kitchen, bedroom and bathroom products have been revealed as just some of the items the UK government is considering imposing retaliatory tariffs upon.
The plans were revealed in a 417-page document on the government’s website yesterday, which details the possibility of export tariffs on more than 8,000 products such as steel, meat, dairy, car parts and chemicals.
However, given the length of the document, it is unsurprising that KBB products also make up some of the proposed exports that could be subject to tariffs paid by the US. These include ceramic sinks, washbasins, washbasin pedestals, baths, bidets, water closet pans, flushing cisterns, urinals and similar sanitary fixtures.
In addition, the list also mentions fitted kitchen units, wooden kitchen furniture, wooden bedroom furniture, and large domestic appliances, just to name a few.
In fact, today’s front cover of The Sun newspaper features the headline “BOG OFF, TRUMP!”, with a story about how even UK-manufactured toilet seats are being considered for tariffs.
Discussing the potential tariffs in the House of Commons yesterday, British trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented: “We will seek the views of UK stakeholders over four weeks until 1st May 2025 on products that could potentially be included in any UK tariff response. This exercise will also give businesses the chance to have their say, and influence the design of any possible UK response.
“It remains our belief that the best route to economic stability for working people is a negotiated deal with the US that builds on our shared strengths. However, we do reserve the right to take any action we deem necessary if a deal is not secured.”
