Trump's threat to slap import taxes on UK goods is 'bluster' - but uncertainty remains over NI's export status - UUP MLA
President Trump’s threat to slap import taxes on UK products amid an escalating row over Greenland is “bluster” – and is about sending a message that the Americas are under his control, a UUP MLA has said.
Steve Aiken, the party’s economy spokesperson, says that even if the US President did increase tariffs on British goods entering the country, the UK would still be in a better position than the EU.
However, he said that Northern Ireland’s ability to export as part of the UK under the Windsor Framework could still be tested, if Brussels were to take a legal challenge.
In a recent social media post, Donald Trump threatened NATO allies in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland that he would impose a 10% tariff on beginning 1 February, “on any and all goods sent to the United States of America”.
He warned that figure would rise to 25% in June, unless the USA is allowed to purchase Greenland. The arctic country is an autonomous territory of Denmark – which has rejected any such prospect, as have its European allies – including the UK.
Mr Aiken, a former submarine commander in the Royal Navy, says he doesn’t believe President Trump will go through with the tariff threat.
“This is another Taco (short for Trump always chickening out). There are all sorts of things going on in Washington, and he’s just stirring the pot – as he can. He’s going to bluster and all the rest, but give it three days. Who knows what situation we will be in, but I don’t think he’s going to do it”.
The South Antrim MLA says the US President has his eyes on an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping – and is signalling to him that he’s willing to take on anyone, even the Europeans.
Asked about how Northern Ireland would be impacted by any new tariffs, given the province’s exports are to be treated as part of the UK under the Windsor Framework, the UUP economy spokesperson said it is a “moot point” – as that principle hasn’t been tested yet.
He said there is still a question mark over NI exports, as the EU “haven't yet challenged yet a major UK order coming through Northern Ireland” at the court of arbitration – a scenario he says is possible.