UKFT has submitted a recommendation to the Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on behalf of the UK fashion and textile industry, calling for a co-ordinated approach to address issues arising from recent US tariff changes, including changes to de minimis thresholds. It highlights that while UK’s additional tariff is the lowest at 10% following the 90 day pause, this only applies to goods made in the UK whereas most UK companies have complex supply chains. Furthermore, the end of the de minimis exception on goods below $800 into the US will have a massive impact on B2C sellers from the UK.

UKFT’s immediate recommendations to government include:

• Launching a new Trade Show Support Programme to help companies to find new markets
• Reinstating VAT refunds for non-UK shoppers, including US travellers which are expected to travel abroad to shop
• Strengthening UK presence in the US wholesale market with tailored support in major cities.
• Using the 2026 renegotiation UK-EU trade deal to deliver simplified Free Circulation Rules and closer customs integration to offer an alternative market for UK companies

For the longer term, UKFT has also recommended:

• Supporting UK manufacturing with a three-year investment and skills scheme
• Ensuring fair public procurement access for UK manufacturers, especially SMEs
• Tackling high UK energy and transport costs to reduce the burden on local businesses
• Pushing for WTO reform, including providing tariff invectives for sustainable goods

Related news:

• UKFT’s US-China Trade Update (14th May 2025) – click here.
• UKFT recommendations to HM Treasury and DBT on issues around US tariff changes (and de minimis) – click here.
• UKFT’s guidance on the on US tariffs is here with a full set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available for members on request. Please contact info@ukft.org for details.
• UK fashion and textile businesses: Are you seeing increased volumes of goods entering the UK market due to shifting tariffs or other trade changes? If so, please let us know so we can raise this at our upcoming meeting with the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) – click here.