Tariffs imposed by the US government on imports from around the world are likely to have an impact on all industries, including fleets in the UK.
While at 10%, the US has imposed one of the lower tariffs on the UK, the reality is that the effects will be felt throughout the supply chain.
However, the higher rate of 25% will apply to imports on vehicles and vehicle parts to the US from the UK, which is a blanket rate for all vehicles and vehicle parts being imported to the US.
What Do US Tariffs Mean For UK Fleets?
While there’s hope that negotiations from the government might result in a more favourable deal, as of now it appears that the tariffs will take effect as we understand them.
No reciprocal tariffs have been announced but the government is considering all of its options, so for any firms that import goods from the US, that could be one to keep an eye on.
It could also drive the price of new vehicles up, especially when you consider that the US is the UK’s second largest car export market other than the EU.
Not only that, but if the cost of the US market becomes an issue for vehicle manufacturers, they could see their production costs rising, which could then impact on prices for other markets such as the UK.
The issue is the sheer size and buying power of the US economy, which means these tariffs are likely to affect a lot of UK businesses and the economy more generally.
It’s the latest challenge for fleets after dealing with the rising cost of living, Brexit, the pandemic and numerous other challenges in recent years while also trying to balance future plans and making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
The Big Challenges For Fleets
It’s not the only challenge for fleets, though, with road safety a crucial issue right now.
If the price of vehicles is to rise, it could put further strain on road safety with the recent news that millions of vehicles are still on the road despite manufacturers issuing safety recalls.
With more than 3 million vehicles still on the road with defects that resulted in recalls between 2018 and 2023, there’s no doubt it’s having an impact on the safety of vehicles and drivers on the road.
The future of road safety is something that the government, highways agencies and road safety campaigners are keenly aware needs to be addressed.
Road death figures are a key concern while the police and government look for ways to reduce the number of speeding, drink and drug driving and mobile phone incidents behind the wheel.
Will the US tariffs impact you and your fleet? And are there any key areas of concern around road safety or costs that you’re worried about in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.
