Business, Political | Posted on April 4th, 2025 | return to news
‘Buy Dorset, back Britain,’ says MP in wake of Trump’s tariffs
Local MP Vikki Slade is urging Dorset residents to “Buy Dorset and back Britain” following the US President’s announcements of global tariffs.
In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s announcement of trade tariffs, including a 10 per cent tariff on UK exports to America, a local MP is urging residents to “Buy Dorset and back Britain.”
Tariffs are a form of tax charged by governments on goods from another country and they can have various effects. They can make imported goods more expensive, which may force buyers to look for similar products made in their home country. They can also be used to try and protect producers and sellers within a country from competition from cheaper places. The loss of sales can damage companies exporting goods to the country charging tariffs.
Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: “We should support our Great British products to protect them from the economic shock caused by Donald Trump’s aggressive trade war, whether it’s using local producers or spending on our high streets.”
“Last week, I visited retailers in Wareham to hear more about the challenges they are currently facing and to see some of the brilliant things already being done to support local retailers championing local producers.
“I have also recently been hosting round table events where I have invited local professionals from a range of sectors to engage in discussions about the hurdles they face professionally and to explore what could be meaningfully done to have a positive impact.
“Over the next couple of weeks, I will continue to visit retailers and will be asking them to take part in my spring survey so I can better understand the hurdles they face.”
The Liberal Democrat MP claims that a trade deal with the US might remove UK tariffs on American beef, chicken and pork, which may put pressure on Dorset farmers. She also claims that American animal welfare standards are lower than those on the county’s farms.
It is estimated that Trump’s tariffs could wipe out up to one per cent of GDP, pushing many British businesses to the wall. The measures announced by the US on 2 April will see 10 per cent tariffs on UK exports and 25 per cent tariffs on all automotive exports to the US.
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