The new US/UK trade deal has been met with cautious optimism from the logistics and construction sectors, who view the agreement as a positive step for business.
While welcoming the deal in principle, industry leaders, including Nichola Mallon from Logistics UK and Viki Bell from the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), have emphasised the need for further clarity on key details to ensure the agreement delivers the promised benefits.
“The logistics sector will be intrinsic to delivering the boost to trade that has been promised from the US/UK trade deal. Our members will welcome the fact that a deal has been negotiated,” Mallon stated.
She continued, “We will be scrutinising the detail of the agreement in the coming weeks to identify the opportunities for growth that the deal should bring.
"After so much discussion and uncertainty around our trading relationship with the US, our members will appreciate the clarity and greater certainty that the agreement should provide.
"Businesses have been unsettled by the lack of clarity and consistency provided for traders since tariffs were announced; hopefully, the agreement will lead to a period of greater stability.”
Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), also praised the deal, highlighting significant gains for UK industry, particularly in the construction equipment sector.
“The announcement of a new US-UK trade deal is a significant step forward for UK industry,” Bell said. “The removal of tariffs on British steel is a major win for the construction equipment sector, where steel remains central to manufacturing.
"Cutting these costs will ease pressure on supply chains, support investment, and help protect skilled jobs. Tariffs on steel and aluminium have now been reduced to zero — a vital change that will benefit a wide range of UK manufacturers.”
Bell further noted the reduction in US tariffs on UK automobiles, which have been slashed from 27.5% to 10% on a quota of 100,000 UK cars, nearly the same number the UK exported to the US last year.
“This agreement not only protects British jobs but also provides stability and growth opportunities for our exporters,” she said.
“We are pleased to see the tariffs reduced, as they have been damaging for industries on both sides. No one wins in a trade war.
"This deal sends a strong message about the value of open, rules-based trade, and we welcome the swift conclusion. Uncertainty is always damaging, and this move brings much-needed clarity for business.”
However, Bell also stressed that clarity on rules of origin would be crucial. “Many UK manufacturers rely on global supply chains, and we need to ensure that this deal works in practice, not just on paper,” she remarked.
The CEA will also be closely monitoring future trade agreements with China and Europe to ensure UK manufacturers are not placed at a disadvantage on the global stage.
“What matters now is delivery. Our members will be looking for detail on how quickly the deal takes effect and how it supports the wider industrial base,” Bell added.
“The CEA will continue to work with the government to ensure that construction equipment remains a priority in any future trade discussions.”
This trade deal, along with the recent Indian Free Trade Agreement announced earlier in the week and today’s interest rate cut from the Bank of England, signals a positive outlook for UK industry.
These developments, according to Bell, contribute to a stronger sense of confidence within the construction equipment sector, supporting jobs, investment, and long-term economic stability.
“We look forward to working through the details,” she concluded.