UK’s May ‘deeply disappointed’ at U.S. tariff move

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday she was deeply disappointed by the U.S. move to apply tariffs to EU steel and aluminum imports.

“I am deeply disappointed at the unjustified decision,” she said in a statement.

“The EU and UK should be permanently exempted from tariffs and we will continue to work together to protect and safeguard our workers and industries,” she added.

Britain’s steel and aluminum industries were hugely important to the UK, she said, noting they also contribute to US industry including in defense projects which bolster US national security.

The EU has taken the United States to the World Trade Organization to challenge the legality of the new tariffs and Brussels has lodged an eight-page list at the international trade body of goods it would hit with retaliatory measures.

President Donald Trump, who is due to visit Britain next month, told Canada and the European Union on Friday to do more to bring down their trade surpluses with the United States.