Trump tariffs "shock" British industry - Car production hits lowest level in 76 years
UK car production has fallen to its lowest level since 1949, largely due to US tariffs. A new deal with the US to cut import duties and support from the British government are expected to bring improvements to the sector.
UK car production in May fell to its lowest level since 1949 as US tariffs hit exports.
Production fell by almost a third from a year earlier to 49,810 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Excluding the pandemic period in 2020, this was the lowest figure in the last 76 years.
Exports to the US halved as President Donald Trump's tariffs forced some UK carmakers to halt shipments.
However, US import duties on UK cars will be reduced by the end of June, restoring optimism to the market.
The decline in exports to the United States came after the Trump administration announced new 25% tariffs on cars and their parts in March. "This requirement immediately forced many manufacturers to halt shipments," the association said.
Jaguar Land Rover suspended deliveries to the US in April, while Aston Martin cut exports. The US share of the UK export market fell from a fifth to just over a tenth in May.
Production was also hit by factories' efforts to adapt to building electric cars.
In May, the US and the UK reached a deal that included cutting import duties on 100,000 British cars a year from 25% to 10%. This matches the number of vehicles the UK exported last year. Any cars exported above the quota will be subject to a 27.5% tax.
The Manufacturers Association also said the UK's recently announced industrial strategy includes lower energy costs for manufacturers and a £2.5 billion fund for automotive capital and development.
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