John Lamont MP has been in discussion with Ministers from the Department of International Trade in recent weeks regarding the tariffs applied to iconic Borders products including textiles and foodstuff.
The US continues to apply tariffs on British exports nine months after a trade dispute between the EU and the USA. These tariffs are causing further negative impact on some of our industries worst impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Borders MP has emphasised the urgency required to remove these damaging and unnecessary tariffs, encouraging the UK Government to take the lead as the EU appear to be making little progress.
John Lamont MP said: “The devastating impact of COVID-19 on industry in the Borders makes it increasingly important for the United Kingdom, the EU, and the US to reach a resolution to the trade war.
“I understand the urgency of dropping these tariffs for all sectors affected and I will continue to encourage Ministers at the Department for International Trade to settle this dispute where the EU have had little success.
“As we seek to deliver a trade deal between the US and UK, I am encouraged that the issue of tariffs has been raised directly by Secretary of State Liz Truss MP with US Trade Representative, Robert Lightizer, at recent negotiations.
“The removal of these export duties is a top priority for me and I believe the trade deal with the US is an opportunity to get rid of these tariffs once and for all.”
Ranil Jayawardena MP, Minister for International Trade said: “From the outset, HM Government has consistently called for these disputes to be settled in a fair and balanced way.
“Since July 2019, we have had several meetings and calls with the highest levels of the American administration, including with US Secretary of the Treasury, Steve Mnuchin. The issue of tariffs is also of great importance to the Prime Minister, who has urged President Trump directly to drop the tariffs.
“We will continue to work with the EU on a negotiated settlement.”
