Scottish Government 'concern' over Trump tariffs

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on the import of goods from the UK.

The tariff is lower than that imposed on many other parts of the world, with the European Union's set at 20 per cent and China's at 34 per cent. It also comes with a 25 per cent tariff on US imports of all foreign cars.

The move was described by Trump as a "declaration of economic independence". But European Commission chair Ursula von der Leyen described it as a "major blow to the world economy", Ireland's Micheal Martin said it was "deeply regrettable" and Taiwan's Cho Jung-tai called it "highly unreasonable".

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has said the Scottish Government is "concerned" about the impact on the Scottish economy.

She said: "The tariffs proposed will clearly have an impact on many Scottish businesses for which the US is an important export market.

"We do not believe unilateral measures by the US are the answer and we are concerned about the negative impact of trade barriers on the Scottish economy.

"We urge the US and all parties to come together and work towards mutually beneficial resolutions."

Forbes went on: "We greatly value the strong social, cultural and economic ties Scotland shares with the US and we will work to ensure these continue to flourish."

America is a key market for goods including whisky and salmon.

A 25 per cent tariff on whisky during the first Trump presidency cost the industry an estimated £600m over two years.

The Scotch Whisky Association said: "The industry is disappointed that Scotch whisky could be impacted by these tariffs.

"We welcome the intensive efforts by the UK Government to reach a deal with the US administration, and we continue to support this measured and pragmatic approach towards a mutually beneficial resolution."