What the UK-US Trade Deal Means for Supply Chains

As the UK and US announce a long-awaited trade deal today, this moment brings rare optimism for British businesses, particularly in sectors like automotive, where one-in-five British-made cars exported to the US. While reduced tariffs could ease cost pressures and boost competitiveness, this is not a return to predictable global trade. Rapid positive change still demands rapid response.

“To respond to this sudden trade deal, British organisations must take a flexible, resilient, and agile approach to their supply chain management. Those with real-time visibility into supplier performance, spend, and risk will be best positioned to adapt quickly and thrive amid fluid trade conditions.”

We can also share recent data which has shown the impact of tariffs on UK businesses:

Recent Data based on a December 2024 study of 100 UK Supply Chain Decision Makers – full data available on request.

• 96% of UK businesses have been concerned about tariffs, fearing increased operating costs, shrinking margins, and reduced competitiveness that could reduce profitability
• Of the 47% of UK businesses have been expecting increased disruption this year, and over half said they would need to completely reassess their supplier networks.
• 45% anticipated rising costs that threaten profitability, and for 36%, those costs could jeopardise the business itself.