According to official data, cars are the UK’s largest export of goods.
British automaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a temporary suspension of vehicle cargo to the US, citing the need to reevaluate operations following a 25% tariff on newly implemented vehicle imports by the Trump administration.
“The US is an important market for JLR’s luxury brands,” the company said in an emailed statement to the Epoch Times. “As we work to address new terms of business with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions, including a cargo suspension in April, when we develop a medium- to long-term period plan.”
British automakers, including the Jaguar, have exported $10.7 billion in vehicles to the US market over the 12 months that will close in September. Official data shows that it automates the UK’s largest exports of goods.
The Jaguar announcement followed President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade measures released last week, including tariffs on all automobile imports and parts. In an April 2 speech from the White House, the president declared an economic emergency, introducing a 10% tariff on almost all imports, raising the duties of around 60 countries labeled “the worst criminal” in trade imbalances with the US. China surpassed that list.
Auto rates, which came into effect on April 3, have already spurred a response across the industry.
Stellantis announced production halts at two assembly plants in Canada and Mexico, causing temporary layoffs at US facilities in Indiana and Michigan.
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Ford also launched a promotional initiative on April 3rd to provide employee pricing to all US customers, responding quickly. The company described the move as a gesture of solidarity during a period of economic uncertainty.
After Trump’s tariff announcement, the Major Wall Street Equity Index saw a decline on Thursday, and sales were extended until Friday. On April 4th, the S&P 500 dropped by 6%, the Dow Jones fell by 5.5%, and the Nasdaq slided by 5.8%.
When asked about the sale, Trump compared the economy to a patient undergoing surgery.
“I think it’s going very well. There’s surgery, like when a patient has surgery, and that’s a big deal. I said this is exactly what it is,” Trump told reporters outside the White House on Thursday.
The administration says the US $1.2 trillion trade imbalance the previous year underscores the urgency of structural changes in trade flows.
