The United Kingdom could be one of the big winners of the trade war unleashed by Donald Trump, as the tariffs imposed by the US on other major economies redirect investments and global trade.
The American President confirmed that he will introduce tariffs on imports from several important trading partners, but left open the possibility of a deal with the United Kingdom, suggesting that the trade relations between the two countries are more balanced, CNBC reports.
This position could turn the United Kingdom into an attractive center for investments and trade, offering it a strategic advantage over the European Union and other economies affected by the new protectionist measures of the US.
On Monday, Trump announced a 30-day delay for the 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, in exchange for stricter measures on opioid trafficking. China did not benefit from such a pause, as it is already subject to 10% tariffs, and Beijing responded with similar measures on American products.
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Against the backdrop of these trade tensions, some analysts believe that the United Kingdom is "uniquely positioned" to attract investments and become a hub for companies seeking alternatives to traditional trade routes affected by tariffs.
Economic experts highlight that while sectors such as the automotive or pharmaceutical industry may feel the effects of tariffs, the British economy, largely based on financial and consulting services, is shielded from such restrictive measures.
Neri Karra Sillaman, a professor at the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, believes that if the United Kingdom manages to avoid tariffs, it could attract a significant wave of investments, becoming a gateway for companies looking to bypass trade restrictions.
Furthermore, the British pound could become one of the main safe-haven currencies for investors, after appreciating against the euro and other major currencies following Trump's tariff announcements.
In this context, the British economy could benefit from the changes in the global trade landscape, strengthening its position as an attractive alternative to European markets affected by American protectionism.