‘Hostile trading’ with US to hit UK firearms 

Sweeping trade tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump have sent shockwaves through the firearms industry. While the Trump administration – in the 45th and 47th President’s second term of office – claims these protectionist measures are designed to revitalise US manufacturing and protect American jobs, industry leaders on both sides of the Atlantic warn that the new tariffs are likely to raise costs, strain supply chains and destabilise already fragile international markets.

Reports suggest tariffs on some consumer electronics may be lifted – a move that could impact certain product categories within the shooting and outdoor sectors. With trade policy continuing to shift rapidly, UK businesses are being urged to proceed with caution.

Stephen Jolly, executive director of the UK’s Gun Trade Association (GTA), said the recent announcement of new US import tariffs has created significant unease in some portions of the UK trade.

“While the GTA does not take a position on political outcomes, we have formally stated our opposition to tariffs and our concern over the possibility of retaliatory measures,” he said. “We have also responded to a government consultation on international trade, outlining our sector’s contributions to the economy and the risks posed by a hostile trading environment.

“As part of our response, I have written directly to the Secretary of State to express our industry’s concern about the imposition of a 10% tariff on British exports to the United States.

“In that letter, I urged the Government to avoid retaliatory measures that risk worsening the current situation and instead focus on securing a bilateral free trade agreement with the US administration.”

Paul Bradley, regional sales and portfolio director at Hexagon, part of Beretta Holdings, said the industry is already experiencing consequences: “We are already seeing ammunition deals cancelled due to American trade tariffs. In the short term this will cause a little pain… America has always been a tough market for European/UK producers as it is extremely price competitive…

“It was not the Utopian marketplace that many imagine for manufacturers outside of the US,” he added.

Mr Bradley noted that while the current situation is disruptive, it may encourage long-term investment in European manufacturing – particularly as defence customers begin to seek alternatives to US suppliers. However, he cautioned that, in the near term, UK consumers may face price rises as availability tightens.