US Tariffs and Implications for HealthTech
Topic : Type : Briefing
On 2 April, the US announced that it will impose an additional 10% tariff on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on imports from the UK under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (1977). This will come into effect on 5 April. The UK Government’s response is here.
In the lead up to this announcement, ABHI, along with representatives from other industry bodies, attended a briefing from Ministers and officials on their analysis of the situation. It was clear that His Majesty’s Government will take a balanced and pragmatic view of the tariffs imposed and is unlikely to take immediate countermeasures, something which other jurisdictions have indicated they intend to do. This approach is one which we, and the vast majority of others present, were happy to endorse unequivocally. We believe it is not in the interests of our members or the patients we serve to take any action that may impact on the availability of HealthTech for NHS patients and the subsequent effect that may have on the quality and safety of care.
That said, the Government has quite rightly asserted that all options remain open, and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds launched a request for input on the implications for British businesses of possible retaliatory action, the call being open until 1st May 2025. The Government has also drawn up an "indicative list" of US products which the UK could tariff in response, but has stressed that if we are in a position to agree an economic deal with the US that lifts the tariffs, the request for input will be paused, and any measures flowing from that, will be lifted.
if you have any other general intelligence or concerns to share, we would also welcome direct input from members to help inform our engagement. Please write to enquiries@abhi.org.uk.
Much uncertainty remains, and, whatever course of action is taken, there will likely be implications for the UK of the cumulative effect of retaliatory measures by others. We are working closely with colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade to fully assess the implications for our sector. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you accordingly.
Please note that we are adding updates to this page on an ongoing basis.
Useful Resources & Updates
Government Updates
- Department For Business And Trade: US Trade Tariffs.
- Statement by the Trade Secretary on US Tariffs. (3rd April 2025).
- Request for input on potential UK measures in response to US tariffs. (3rd April 2025).
- The White House Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security. (2nd April 2025).
- The White House Executive Orders: Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits. (2nd April 2025).
- Annex 1. Adjusted country rates. For those countries and trade blocs above the 10% tariff level.
- Annex 2. Trade Codes. These goods shall not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty under this order.
Member Communications
- Member Communication: Safeguarding HealthTech Supply Amid Tariff Changes. (8th April 2025).
- Member Communication: Expert Briefing Invite: Update On US Policy And Trajectory. (4th April 2025).
- Member Communication: Update on US Tariffs and Implications for HealthTech. (3rd April 2025).
Partner Updates
- AdvaMed Statement on President’s Reciprocal Tariff Pause. (9th April 2025).
- AdvaMed, Nine Other Organizations Urge Tariff Exemption for Medical Products. (7th April 2025).
- MedTech Europe response to the European Commission public consultation on potential countermeasures against US tariffs. (3rd April 2025).
- AdvaMed Statement on Today’s Tariff Announcement. (2nd April 2025).
- MedTech Europe statement. (17th March 2025).
Resources For Exporters