UK car exports to US rebound in July after tariff-cutting trade deal
Published: 29 August 2025, 9:44:09
UK vehicle exports to the United States rose by 6.8% in July, reaching nearly 10,000 units, following the implementation of a new trade agreement that reduced tariffs, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said Thursday.
The rebound comes after three consecutive months of declines, including a sharp 55.4% year-on-year drop in May.
“The US remains the largest single national market for British-built cars,” the SMMT said, noting that July’s recovery highlights the positive impact of the UK-US trade deal.
The agreement, which took effect on June 30, cut US tariffs on UK car exports to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. The previous 27.5% tariff, introduced in April under President Donald Trump, had forced brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin to reduce or halt shipments.
Nearly 80% of UK-manufactured cars are exported, primarily to the EU, while the US is a key destination for luxury models made by Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
