Donald Trump has announced that he will slap 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union.
The US president said this would apply “generally speaking on cars and all other things”.
He added: “The European Union was formed in order to screw the United States, but now I am president.”
Rachel Reeves has said she is confident the UK can boost trade with the US as Sir Keir jets to Washington to meet the US president.
The Chancellor said the announced increase in defence spending was “in our national interest” when asked if the UK expects Donald Trump to withdraw his threat of 20% tariffs in return.
She said: “In terms of the future trading relationship between the UK and the US, last time that President Trump was in the White House, trade and investment between our two countries increased, and I have every confidence that that can happen again.
“I know that the Prime Minister looks forward to talking about those issues and many others in his meetings with Donald Trump tomorrow.”
