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British firms shrug off US tariffs, BoE survey shows

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 5, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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British firms shrug off US tariffs, BoE survey shows
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LONDON (Reuters) -Few British businesses expect to be directly affected by recent changes in U.S. trade policy, with only 12% naming it as one of their top three sources of uncertainty, a Bank of

UK Businesses Remain Unfazed by New US Tariffs, Bank of England Survey Reveals

LONDON (Reuters) -Few British businesses expect to be directly affected by recent changes in U.S. trade policy, with only 12% naming it as one of their top three sources of uncertainty, a Bank of England survey showed on Thursday.

The BoE said 70% of businesses surveyed in May expected that U.S. tariffs would have no impact on their sales, prices or investment plans.

Twenty-two percent expected sales to fall over the year ahead, 20% said they would invest less, 15% expected to lower prices and 7% expected to raise prices, the BoE said.

The survey took place from May 9-23 and covered 2,129 firms.

(Reporting by David Milliken; editing by William James)

Key Takeaways

  • Most UK firms are not impacted by US tariffs.
  • Only 12% see US tariffs as a major uncertainty.
  • 70% expect no change in sales, prices, or investments.
  • 22% anticipate a decline in sales over the next year.
  • The survey involved 2,129 firms in May.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of UK businesses expect no impact from US tariffs?
According to the Bank of England survey, 70% of businesses surveyed expected that U.S. tariffs would have no impact on their sales, prices, or investment plans.
What were the main concerns for businesses regarding US tariffs?
Only 12% of British businesses named changes in U.S. trade policy as one of their top three sources of uncertainty.
How many firms participated in the Bank of England survey?
The survey took place from May 9-23 and covered 2,129 firms.
What percentage of businesses expected to lower their prices?
Fifteen percent of businesses surveyed expected to lower prices in response to the tariffs.
What is the overall sentiment of UK businesses towards US tariffs?
The overall sentiment among UK businesses is one of resilience, with many not anticipating significant effects from the new U.S. tariffs.

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