British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced on Tuesday that the United Kingdom does not expect to be exempt from the new U.S. tariffs set to take effect on April 2. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Reynolds explained that based on current communications with the United States, it appears that no country will be spared from the initial round of trade measures introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

“From what we understand from the United States, it appears tomorrow there would be no country in the world exempt from the initial announcements,” Reynolds stated. His remarks come amid fading hopes that the UK might secure a special exemption, given the historically strong and balanced trade ties between London and Washington.

Reynolds acknowledged the extensive groundwork laid through bilateral discussions but admitted that it may not be enough to shield British goods from the tariffs. “While there was optimism about a potential agreement, it now seems that those expectations will not be met in the short term,” he added.

The announcement aligns with Downing Street’s earlier signals that the UK is preparing for the full impact of the American trade measures. Officials have stressed the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue with the U.S. while simultaneously protecting the interests of British industries.

The new tariffs are part of President Trump’s broader trade policy shift aimed at implementing reciprocal tariffs to address what the administration views as long-standing imbalances. While the move has sparked global concerns over inflation and disrupted supply chains, the White House maintains that it is necessary to protect American manufacturing and ensure fairness in trade relationships.

Reynolds reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with international partners to uphold stable trade systems. “This is not the outcome we wanted, but we will continue to engage and advocate for a fair and mutually beneficial resolution,” he said.

As the tariffs come into effect, British exporters are bracing for increased costs and uncertainty. Analysts suggest that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the UK adapts to the new trade environment and whether future negotiations might yield any form of relief or adjustment to the measures.