If the US is serious about a trade deal with us, they would remove all punitive tariffs says GMB Union
GMB, the manufacturing union, has called on the Government to protect UK manufacturing jobs from US tariffs.
The union has written to Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss, as the United States holds a consultation on a review of its tariffs implemented as part of the Airbus dispute last October, with the potential for existing tariffs to be increased, and products on other Annex lists to be added to the tariff measures.
GMB Members working in Scotch whisky and aircraft manufacturing have already been disproportionately affected by US tariffs.
Fears are now growing new tariffs will be slapped on ceramics and tableware, textiles and clothing and on lifting machinery - which could negatively impact on companies such as JCB.
Jude Brimble, GMB National Secretary, said:
"GMB Members in Scotch whisky and aircraft manufacturing have already been hit hard by the Trump administration’s punitive tariffs, and these tariffs must now be lifted.
"We also strongly oppose tariffs being imposed on ceramics and tableware, textiles and clothing and on lifting machinery.
"If the US is serious about a trade deal with UK, they would remove all punitive tariff action as a show of good will.
"GMB calls on the Government to intervene and resolve this dispute as quickly as possible, before more highly skilled and valuable UK manufacturing jobs are sacrificed on top of the damaging effects of the pandemic."
