What Does ‘Liberation Day’ Mean For US Exports

Keiron Myall, Managing Director UK/IE at Customs Support Group, looks at the impact of the American administration’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.

The ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs imposed on more than 60 countries is set to create a significant shift in the trade landscape which few are ready for, according to Customs Support Group (CSG), Europe’s leading provider of cross-border customs compliance solutions.

Suffolk-based CSG UK, known for its comprehensive risk scenario mapping of the global trade landscape for 2025, identified tariffs as the top concern.

Keiron Myall, the new managing director for the United Kingdom and Ireland, shared insights on recent tariff changes and highlighted that while the 10 per cent tariff on UK exports is relatively low compared to other regions, the additional 25 per cent charge on all automobiles entering the US is expected to have the most significant impact on the UK motor industry.

He said it was crucial to recognise the broader implications of any tariff change, particularly when considering reciprocal actions. With change comes uncertainty, and these adjustments could realistically have short to medium-term effects on the US economy.

Keiron said only time will reveal which areas may be harmed or benefited, but one thing is certain – a time of change for import/export businesses globally is inevitable.

Keiron said: “Considering why this change is happening, it is clear the American administration’s drive to tax foreign vehicles is to encourage US citizens to buy vehicles manufactured in the US. Although many volume brands now have some production stateside, it would take a long time to have enough manufacturing presence there to avoid the tariffs.

“Also, global supply chains, which are based on the principle of not putting all your eggs in one basket, exist to insulate the industry against protectionism – an economic policy aimed at shielding a country’s domestic industries from foreign competition.
“While protectionism can help local industries grow and preserve jobs, it can also lead to higher prices for consumers and potential trade conflicts with other countries. It is clear that companies engaged in international trade must act swiftly to assess the potential impact on their operations.

“Our first advice is to consult a customs agency specialist to navigate immediate clearance procedures, avoid potential customs delays, and understand the broader implications for their business.”

The EU, which has been significantly affected by the new tariff proposals due to the $200 billion trade deficit with the US, faces 20 per cent tariffs on all US imports, in addition to the 25 per cent auto tariff.

This could further impact Germany’s economy and brands such as Mercedes, BMW, and the VW Group, especially if the EU retaliates with higher tariffs on US goods, potentially escalating into a trade war.

The UK Government, which has taken a more measured approach by not threatening retaliatory tariffs, is aware that boutique car brands such as Aston Martin and JLR, for whom the US market is the most lucrative, would struggle to compensate for lost sales in other markets such as the EU and China.

Keiron highlighted that many thousands of components in the automotive industry operate in complex just-in-time supply chains, crossing international borders multiple times during the manufacturing process.

“Complex customs regulations in a volatile geopolitical trade environment could result in delays and additional costs,” he added.

“The end result could be higher costs for US consumers as the tariffs are ultimately passed on. These plans are likely to increase US living costs and impact trade, with a knock-on effect of stymied global economic growth and rising inflation.

“We’ve spoken to our clients about their concerns because international businesses dislike risk, hidden costs and uncertainty. The evolving compliance landscape in the often-complex customs clearance process is seen as a necessary challenge they need to navigate effectively.”

CSG’s scenario mapping considered the implications of continuing operations between the UK and USA without any trade agreements, as well as the effects of a 20 percent tariff on operations and trade dynamics.

Keiron said this level of pre-planning is helping CSG advise its clients effectively in the aftermath of the tariff announcement.

“Outsourcing to a specialised organisation familiar with the nuances of customs clearance and digital navigation has never been more attractive. This is why we invested time in exploring the potential impacts of these new tariffs on supply chain resilience through various macro predictions,” he added.

“This scenario planning helped us anticipate various developments and steer a calmer course through potentially turbulent international trade waters following the ‘Liberation Day’ announcement.”

John Wegman, CEO of Customs Support Group, which has offices in Germany, the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands and 10 other major European countries, added: “In response to the newly-announced tariffs, companies must also look inward.

“Many international companies lack full visibility into the duties they pay, as this data is often scattered across multiple customs brokers, systems and countries. By consolidating and analysing this information, businesses can gain crucial insights into their exposure, explore mitigation strategies and even rethink their supply chains or sourcing decisions.

“We also strongly advise companies to review their HS classifications to identify opportunities for duty optimisation and ensure they are fully leveraging existing free trade agreements. A strategic review of classifications and trade agreements could unlock significant cost savings and help businesses remain competitive in a shifting global trade environment.”

Tariff Support at CSG 

As global trade continues to evolve, keeping track of tariff changes and their implications is crucial. At Customs Support Group, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring your business remains compliant and agile in the face of shifting trade policies. 

Our experts are ready to assist you with navigating the complexities of international trade, providing tailored solutions to mitigate the impact of tariffs and optimise your customs processes. 

Get in touch with us today to ensure that your business is prepared for whatever comes next in the world of trade.