Insights

To date the Trump Administration has issued multiple proclamations imposing varying rates of import duties on steel and aluminum and certain derivatives, including construction materials. These measures have added volatility and financial pressures to the construction sector both in the United States and abroad. Most recently, on June 3, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, doubling tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, effective June 4, 2025. This action aims to counteract the continued influx of lower-priced, excess steel and aluminum imports that, according to the administration, threaten U.S. national security by undermining domestic production capacity. The proclamation notes that while prior tariffs provided some price support, they were insufficient to achieve the necessary capacity utilization rates for sustained industry health and defense readiness. The United Kingdom remains temporarily exempt at the 25% rate until July 9, per the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal.

The UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR)[1] marks a significant shift in national defence policy, emphasising enhanced military readiness and domestic industrial growth. This comprehensive plan is poised to reshape the landscape for defence contractors across the country. This follows the enactment of the UK’s new Procurement Act 2023, which took effect on 24 February 2025, also impacting defence contractors. More information on this can be found in our alert: What Defence Contractors Need To Know About the New UK Procurement Act.

On 6 May 2025, the UK government announced it had concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. A summary of the deal has been published by the Department for Business and Trade. With widespread uncertainty concerning global trade policy and tariffs, the conclusion of the deal is being celebrated as a triumph.