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31 May 2018

Donald Trump’s tariffs on the UK expose the Brexiteers’ trade fantasies

The belief that an “America First” protectionist would privilege Britain was always delusional.

By George Eaton

When Donald Trump was elected US President in 2016, many Brexiteers rejoiced. Here, they thought, was a man who would spare the UK from the chill of isolation.

Even at the time, this was plainly wishful thinking. “America First” meant Britain second (at very best). Trump’s protectionist rhetoric has now been matched by action. The US has announced that new tariffs will be imposed on steel (25 per cent) and aluminium (10 per cent) imports from the EU (including Britain), Canada and Mexico.

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