Americano: could Trump target Britain with tariffs?
Feb 11, 2025
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Angus Hanton, entrepreneur and author of "Vassal State: How America Runs Britain," joins the conversation to dissect the intricate economic ties between the UK and the US. He discusses the looming threat of tariffs under a potential Trump administration, questioning if Britain could be a prime target. The dialogue touches on the dominance of American tech firms in the UK, the impact of US payment systems on global transactions, and the post-Brexit dynamics that could reshape Britain's role on the world stage.
The evolving trade relationship between the US and UK displays a concerning master-servant dynamic, affecting Britain's economic sovereignty.
American corporate ownership plays a significant role in the UK economy, challenging perceptions of foreign influence and necessitating protective measures for domestic firms.
Deep dives
Trump's Tariffs and the UK
Donald Trump’s presidency is marked by significant changes to the trade relationship between the United States and the UK, particularly regarding tariffs on goods. Currently, Britain appears to be spared from the major 25% tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum directed at the European Union, which offers a temporary relief. However, experts caution against complacency, noting that the evolving economic dynamic between the two nations is increasingly resembling a master-servant relationship, as highlighted in discussions within the podcast. The bilateral trade deficit means that Britain may be less of a target for tariffs, but British companies are still likely to feel the unintended consequences of the tariffs aimed at other nations.
American Corporate Dominance
The extent of American corporate ownership in the UK economy is substantial, with American firms controlling significantly more of British industry than their Chinese counterparts. There is a pervasive lack of awareness among the general public regarding this ownership; many believe China is the main foreign player in the UK market. The podcast illustrates that a considerable portion of key British companies, including major firms in energy and retail, are indeed owned by American entities, which complicates the narrative surrounding foreign influence in Britain. This dominance raises concerns about the economic sovereignty of the UK, emphasizing a need for awareness and perhaps protective measures to safeguard its domestic companies.
Economic Policies and Future Directions
The discussion touches on potential paths for the UK economy moving forward, particularly in the context of protectionist policies that could shield British firms from foreign takeovers. Comparing practices with France, where laws exist to protect national companies, the need for a similar ethos in the UK is highlighted. Current leadership shows a tendency towards aligning more closely with American interests instead of fostering a unique British economic identity, which could be detrimental in the long term. The tension between profit maximization culture in American companies and a more community-oriented approach in Britain poses significant choices for future economic policies, suggesting the need for a balanced strategy that considers both growth and social responsibility.
Angus Hanton, author of Vassal State: How America Runs Britain, joins Freddy Gray to talk about the economic relationship between Britain and America. As the world adjusts to the new US administration, every day seems to bring news of new potential tariffs. Is the UK a prime target for Trump? What could the impact on tariffs be? And what are the long-term questions facing British politicians about both the economic and political relationship with the US?
Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.
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