Update: US Tariffs and the Global Response – Implications for the UK Tech Sector

Since the publication of our previous article, there have been significant developments concerning US tariffs and their global repercussions:

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced a 10% universal tariff on all imports to the US, effective April 5, with additional "reciprocal" tariffs on specific countries paused for a 90 day period.

In response, the UK government has initiated a consultation process with businesses to assess the impact of potential retaliatory measures. A comprehensive list of US products has been published, detailing goods that could be targeted in any future UK action.

The UK is also engaging in negotiations with the US to establish an economic partnership agreement that could potentially reduce or eliminate the tariff currently imposed on UK goods.

Analysis: Impact on the UK Tech Sector

While the imposition of tariffs and the prospect of retaliatory measures have direct implications for the UK tech sector, the predominantly services-oriented nature of the industry means the immediate impact may be less severe compared to sectors heavily reliant on goods exports. However, the UK tech sector is deeply integrated into the global economy and is highly susceptible to broader economic dynamics. Trade tensions among major partners, such as the US and EU, pose significant risks, as the sector thrives on a stable, rule-based international trading system that supports economic growth and innovation.

techUK's Ongoing Work

techUK continues to monitor these developments closely. We are actively working on a response to the government's consultation on potential retaliatory measures and are preparing a comprehensive paper outlining our vision for a UK-US economic partnership agreement. Drafts of both documents are available, and we encourage members to reach out directly with any questions or to provide input.

techUK is monitoring the global reaction to the announced tariffs and the implications for our sector in the UK and abroad.

Members who have questions on any of the above can reach out to [email protected]

Sabina Ciofu

International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.

With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.

A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.

She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.

Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

She is a frequent traveler and a marathon runner.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +32 473 323 280
Website:: www.techuk.org

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techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities

techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.