JAGUAR Land Rover has said it is going to “pause” shipments to the US.
The auto industry giant revealed it will be taking time to “address the new trading terms” of Donald Trump’s tariffs.
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A JLR spokesperson said: “The USA is an important market for JLR’s luxury brands.
“As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid to longer-term plans.”
The company released a prior statement on “liberation day” that reassured customers its business was “resilient” and “accustomed to changing market conditions.”
In the previous statement earlier this week, it added: “Our priorities now are delivering for our clients around the world and addressing these new US trading terms.”
This comes after Trump unveiled the biggest shake up in global trade since the Second World War.
What the US President called “Liberation Day” and one of the most important days in American history was also a day of reckoning for how countries and companies around the world do business.
The UK has been hit by a 10 per cent tariff – what the White House calls the baseline rate – on all goods imported into the United States.
But it’s bad news for British car makers as Trump confirmed all foreign car imports will be subject to a further 25 per cent tariff.
The US imports £60.4billion British goods, fractionally more than the £57.9billion the UK imports from America.
The UK has been given the lowest rate of tariff.
By comparison China has been hit with a 34 per cent “reciprocal tariff” – half the 67 per cent rate Trump claims China charges US importers.
However, added to the existing rate of tariffs on China, it takes the levy up to 50 per cent.
Vietnam, where many Western companies have factories, will now face a 46 per cent tariff.
Japan is hit with 24 per cent and Taiwan faces 32 per cent.
The EU will also face a 20 per cent – higher than the UK.
Journalist Ross Clark branded the new tariffs a “gut punch” but said they will also prove to be a hefty blow for US consumers and manufacturers.
Business Secretary Johnathan Reynolds replied: “In some of our iconic automotive manufacturing brands, BMW, JLR, Aston Martin, who are a particular success in the US market, and therefore exposure to this.
“There is within government very close co-operation between the teams that are working on our EU reset and our trade negotiations in this area.
“So, I can assure her of the alignment of the continuity and consistency of policy in that area.”
Meanwhile city councillor Linda Smith added how the BMW plant has employed locals for years.
She highlighted its importance to the local community even gave it an exemption from the Community Infrastructure Levy.
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