The office published lists of imports from the countries that would face tariffs if negotiations failed to reach a solution that prohibits the imposition of unilateral digital services taxes. It said that tariffs would be put on about $887 million of goods from Britain, including clothing, footwear and cosmetics.
Helen Brocklebank, CEO Walpole said: “Walpole is very relieved that the tariffs have been suspended pending talks and also encouraged that the Biden administration is taking a proactive approach to trying to find a global solution that rebalances how the US tech giants pay their way. This being said, we feel very strongly that it is the wrong thing to do to make high end British goods pawns in this argument, and hope that 180 days is long enough for there to be a resolution.”
She added: “The British luxury sector provides over 160,000 sustainable and highly skilled jobs around the UK and has a centuries old trading relationship with the US, resulting in employment and investment in the US. Both sides must find a way through this to ensure that this relationship is not damaged and jobs on both sides of the Atlantic are not lost.”
In April, Walpole submitted comments to the USTR explaining the negative impacts of the proposed tariffs on both the UK luxury sector and investments in the US economy and US job creation.
Please go here to read the press release from the USTR.
