US tariffs of 10% have recently been imposed on most UK goods imported into the United States. To support businesses in Surrey and the rest of the country, government is introducing some support measures.

Businesses in Surrey have a long track-record of trading with the world. And with the United States being our largest and closest trading partner, it could have an impact on how you do your business.

UK government has a range of US tariffs support on offer, including:

• Export Academy webinar on 28 April
  • Open to relevant businesses covering themes such as how rules of origin affect tariffs.
• Increased government-backed finance
  • Additional funding has been made available via UK Export Finance and the British Business Bank.
• Enhanced UK Global Tariff tool
  • Allows businesses to look up commodity codes, duty and VAT rates.
•  US Market Guide
  • General information on exporting from the UK to the US.
• Reduced pricing on everyday items and summer essentials
  • Government has suspended tariffs on a range of imported goods into the UK.

US tariffs currently in operation

The additional 10% tariff is on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on imports from the UK. It’s been live since 5 April.

These additional tariffs do not apply to US imports of:

• steel, aluminium articles and automobiles, which are subject to separate additional 25% tariffs. Tariffs of 25% on automobile parts are due to be implemented no later than 3 May.
• copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber
• energy, energy products and other minerals not available in the US

The tariffs situation is fast moving. So, it’s worth discussing the latest situation direct with the UK export support service before making any key business decisions.

UK trade with the US

The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country.

A recent House of Commons Library research paper states that in 2024, UK exports to the US were worth more than £59 billion. This totals 16% of all UK goods exports. The next largest market is Germany which accounted for £32 billion of goods exports (9% of the total).

The top five UK goods exports to the US over the year to September 2024 were:

• cars (£8.3 billion)
• medicinal and pharmaceutical products (£7.2 billion)
• mechanical power generators, intermediate (£5.2 billion)
• scientific instruments, capital (£2.4 billion)
• aircraft (£2.2 billion).

While UK exports of goods to the US are large, exports of services are much larger. In 2023, UK exports of services to the US were £119 billion, almost twice as large as goods exports.

The top five services exports to the US in 2023 were:

• other business services, including legal services, accounting and architecture (£51.8 billion)
• financial services (£25.8 billion)
• insurance and pensions (£10.5 billion)
• telecoms, computer and information services (£9.6 billion)
• travel (£7.3 billion)

While tariffs are not imposed on services, some services exports may be linked to exports of goods.

Extra US tariffs support

Even with the extra charges, there’s lots of opportunity for Surrey businesses to trade globally.

With the right preparation, resources and support, your business can thrive on the world stage.

At Business Surrey, we’re here to guide you at every stage of your export journey. This includes extra US tariffs support.

Visit our Export and International Trade page for a list of helpful resources and organisations which can help you on your way.

Or if you would like more bespoke support, get in touch with out team of experts via our business support form.

The North Downs Line Partnership, which aims to improve east-west train connectivity in Surrey, is receiving support from key organisations.

The North Downs Line is a key orbital east-west link for the South-East. It connects Reading, Guildford, Dorking, Gatwick Airport and the towns and villages in between.

As part of broader efforts to support regional economic growth and transport decarbonisation, a new partnership group is now meeting.

Great Western Railway (GWR), Network Rail, London Gatwick and Surrey County Council attended the inaugural meeting of the group. Its aim is to improve local services, grow the line and unlock further benefits for customers.

Partners want to develop the growth corridor while working closely together to deliver better services for residents and customers.

A key change could be the introduction of fast-charge battery trains on the line. This is something that GWR bosses shared with partners at the inaugural meeting.

Ongoing improvements

The North Downs Line Partnership is already unlocking benefits for passengers. It is building on early success of collaboration, including increased connectivity and a better timetable.

The December 2023 timetable change saw the introduction of two trains per hour between Reading and London Gatwick. This led to nearly 100,000 new passenger journeys year-on-year, with customers taking advantage of more frequent services to better suit their plans. Further plans to improve the timetable are in development.

Members of the partnership recently visited GWR’s fast charge battery test train at West Ealing to see the innovative technology.

Partners agree battery electric powered trains offer the best solution to replace the diesel trains currently in service on the line. It will provide better outcomes for passengers and support decarbonisation.

Next steps will be to encourage more partners to get involved to improve this vital train link. It is also looking to champion future investment in the line to promote rail as a sustainable way to travel.

This links in with the recently-launched Surrey’s Economic Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035, which identifies transport and connectivity as one of five key drivers of change.

North Downs Line Partnership – what they say

Cllr Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Transport, Highways and Economic Growth, said:

“We’re pleased to see this new Partnership launched to focus improvements on the North Downs Line, working with a range of organisations to deliver on this. As the first local authority to sign up, we want to encourage more partners to come forward and share knowledge, expertise and ideas to improve the service.”

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said:

“As we continue to grow as an airport, it is vital that we continue to invest in boosting sustainable transport options for our passengers and local communities.

“The Great Western Railway service to Reading is already a vital service. Our partnership provides the framework for an even more ambitious and collaborative approach to developing air to rail services at London Gatwick. We are delighted to continue this journey with the GWR team.”

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway said:

“The North Downs Line remains a key route on our network, connecting communities across four counties with London Gatwick. We’re proud to serve it. We want to see the timetable strengthened and deliver these improvements with local stakeholders to best accommodate the diverse range of customer needs along the route.”

Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail, said:

“We are investing in the North Downs Line. Earlier this year, we replaced the wheel timbers on the bridge over the River Wey, south of Guildford.

“We are committed to finding ways to renew and improve the line for years to come to better serve those communities. Later this year, we will be completing the resignalling project on the line between Guildford and Reigate. Further details will be announced in due course.”