‘Hostile trading’ with US to hit UK firearms

Sweeping trade tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump have sent shockwaves through the firearms industry. While the Trump administration claims these protectionist measures are designed to revitalise US manufacturing and protect American jobs, industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic warn that the new tariffs are likely to raise costs, strain supply chains, and destabilise already fragile international markets.
Reports suggest tariffs on some consumer electronics may be lifted – a move that could impact certain product categories within the shooting and outdoor sectors. With trade policy continuing to shift rapidly, UK businesses are being urged to proceed with caution.
Stephen Jolly, Executive Director of the UK’s Gun Trade Association (GTA), said the recent announcement of new US import tariffs has created significant unease in some portions of the UK trade.
“While the GTA does not take a position on political outcomes, we have formally stated our opposition to tariffs and our concern over the possibility of retaliatory measures,” he said.
“We have also responded to a government consultation on international trade, outlining our sector’s contributions to the economy and the risks posed by a hostile trading environment.
“As part of our response, I have written directly to the Secretary of State to express our industry’s concern about the imposition of a 10% tariff on British exports to the United States.
“In that letter, I urged the Government to avoid retaliatory measures that risk worsening the current situation and instead focus on securing a bilateral free trade agreement with the US administration.”
As we go to press, the United States has reduced its tariffs on selected Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will lower its retaliatory tariffs on US products from 125% to 10%. However, not all duties have been permanently removed, some have merely been suspended.
Speaking to reporters, former President Trump warned that these tariffs could be reinstated or even increased within three months if negotiations fail to produce further progress. The impact of these changes is likely to be felt by consumers, with potential implications for pricing across a wide range of goods.