[Source/Observation Network by Ruan Jiaqi]

No. 10 Downing Street was pleased with the "light tap" of America's tariff stick, but the British public is not so "easygoing." According to a report by Hong Kong media South China Morning Post on April 14, despite Britain not facing large-scale "reciprocal tariffs" from the U.S., anti-American sentiment within the country is rising.

Many people are dissatisfied that as a close political and security ally, the U.S. still listed Britain among the countries subject to taxation. These measures have halved Britain's growth expectations and forced the British government to provide additional support of billions of dollars to the export sector.

The report cited the survey results conducted by the British polling company "More in Common" in early April, indicating that only 43% of British respondents considered Britain and the U.S. as allies, down from 49% a month earlier. Meanwhile, the proportion of people who viewed the two countries as enemies reached 15%, far higher than 8% last month.

"We were hit with lower tariffs, but it's still a tariff," said James, a 21-year-old student at King's College London. Despite emphasizing that Britain is America's "special ally" and they have a "special relationship," seeing Britain dragged into this tariff war remains particularly disheartening. "I really don't understand—I'm not sure what this partnership means."

James pointed out that British residents are already struggling with high rents and utility bills, and trade wars will undoubtedly add more cost burdens to ordinary families. "We are caught in someone else's 'game' or suffer the consequences of someone else's narcissism," he said bluntly.

He criticized that the U.S. has packaged its tariff policy as some kind of moral stance against China, attempting to justify its actions. "But I find it hard not to agree with the attitude of the Chinese Foreign Ministry—calling the U.S. actions 'bullying' and 'arrogance.' I think this is actually a fair evaluation. In a way, it feels like a power game driven by personal psychology."

On February 27, local time, U.S. President Trump held talks with UK Prime Minister Sturgeon during his visit. Video screenshot

According to Hong Kong media reports, the U.S. has long been one of Britain's largest trading partners, accounting for 17.2% of Britain's total trade value last year. Britain mainly exports cars, medicines, and machinery to the U.S., while importing crude oil, mechanical generators, and aircraft from the U.S.

Britain's trade surplus with the U.S. is not significant, which is why it was initially proposed to impose a 10% "benchmark tariff." The U.S. decision to impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made vehicles and parts will directly and heavily impact British businesses. By the third quarter of 2024, cars accounted for 13.8% of Britain's total exports to the U.S.

The report also noted that Trump's trade policies will indirectly and unpredictably impact the British economy. As the tariff war between China and the U.S. intensifies, it may undermine investor confidence, disrupt supply chains, and slow global economic growth.

Richie, a 30-year-old dentist in London, expressed growing concern about the escalating trade war between China and the U.S., fearing that the conflict would exacerbate Britain's cost-of-living crisis.

Richie said that due to extended shipping times from China, he recently switched to using dental adhesives made in the UK, which not only increased his business costs but also raised patient fees.

"I understand the U.S. desire to reduce reliance on Chinese products," he said. "But the reality is that China produces a large amount of the products we all use. Once tariffs are imposed, the impact won't be limited to China alone; supply chain disruptions could lead to price increases for everyone, and we Britons won't be spared."

"Given our shared history and diplomatic relations, I thought the U.S. might take a different approach," he also expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. targeting its allies.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said that the U.S. plan to impose a 10% tariff on all British goods is "another deeply disappointing and potentially damaging move."

Hawes called for trade negotiations between the UK and the U.S. He said, "These tariff costs cannot be absorbed by manufacturers; American consumers will be affected, they may bear the extra costs, and iconic British brands may decrease. Under restricted demand, British producers may need to reassess production levels."

On April 14, British Trade Envoy to China Nick Leech commented on U.S. tariffs, stating that no one wants a "trade war," and the UK looks forward to positive consultations with the U.S. At the same time, the UK hopes to strengthen cooperation with China and support British companies coming to China.

According to CCTV News on April 15, Jack Perry, chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, pointed out in an interview that the U.S. tariff policy has created enormous uncertainty globally. Facing a volatile external environment, enterprises in both the UK and China should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, promote mutual benefit through concrete actions, and continuously engage in dialogue to meet external challenges.

The predecessor of the China-Britain Business Council was the 48 Group Club established in 1954 by a group of British businessmen who broke the embargo imposed by Western countries on China at the time and engaged in trade with China.

Perry revealed that in May, the organization will lead a large delegation to Beijing, China, "where some major British companies will visit China for the first time. British companies going to China, Chinese companies coming to the UK—we need to maintain dialogue and act after the dialogue."

Before the opening of the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (Hainan Expo) on April 13, Perry also pointed out that the continuous hosting of the expo transforms China's needs into opportunities for the world, whereas the U.S. approach will ultimately harm its own interests. In the long run, it will not limit China's development but instead make China stronger.

He said, "If someone rashly makes decisions affecting the global economy, like the U.S. is doing now with tariffs, you'll find that other countries become closer. I hope the UK and China continue to get closer during this period, fostering new productive forces, promoting high-quality development, and truly connecting through technological innovation as a bond."

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Observation Network, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493446235211219471/

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