The United Kingdom’s heavy reliance on services exports could shield it from the worst effects of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, according to Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. The central bank chief’s optimistic outlook comes amid growing concerns about potential global trade disruptions.
Bailey, a self-described “dyed-in-the-wool free trader”, suggested that the inflationary impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs – which could reach 60 per cent on Chinese exports and 20 per cent for other nations – might not significantly affect the UK economy. The governor emphasised that “tariffs don’t work in the same way on services” as they do on physical goods.
The UK’s economic structure provides a natural buffer against such trade measures, with services comprising 54 per cent of its total exports to the United States. Since the Brexit vote in 2016, British service exports to America, including finance, insurance, and education, have tripled.
Unlike European counterparts such as Germany, Italy, and Belgium, the UK maintains a smaller trade deficit with the US, reducing its vulnerability to potential tariff impacts. The British government has already indicated it would not implement retaliatory measures if faced with US import levies.
Bailey’s assessment aligns with other global central bankers, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, who anticipate limited inflationary consequences outside the US. The Bank of England continues to forecast inflation settling at its target rate, though uncertainties remain regarding business responses to upcoming national insurance contribution increases.
Financial markets currently anticipate approximately three rate cuts from the Bank next year, potentially reducing the base rate from 4.75 per cent to 4 per cent. Bailey emphasised that any monetary loosening would proceed at a “gradual” pace, with the disinflation process “well embedded” despite having “still a distance to travel”.
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