UK says latest US tariffs mean 'no negative change' for British businesses

LONDON, July 24 (Reuters) - Britain on Friday said there was no direct negative change for UK businesses from the latest U.S. decision to impose tariffs on its trading partners, though analysts said some sectors might lose their relative advantage over the European Union.

The United States imposed new import tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners on Friday, alleging they had failed to curb imports made with forced labour, just as a temporary 10% global tariff expired.

For Britain, the new tariff rate was also 10%, and separately negotiated sectoral deals covering the likes of steel, pharmaceuticals and whisky remain in place.

"Our agreement with the U.S. remains in place," a UK government spokesperson said.

"We take forced labour very seriously to ensure that, in global supply chains, UK businesses are not complicit. The U.S. has recognised the steps the UK is taking..."

Britain separately announced that the first tariff-free shipment of Scotch whisky would depart for the U.S. by the end of the week, under a deal clinched during a visit by King Charles to Washington that came into force on Friday.

While Britain has had some success in negotiations with the U.S., some analysts said Friday's new tariffs might leave some British firms at a relative disadvantage against EU competitors.

While the situation for British firms is the same as before, their 10% rate is in addition to any existing "most-favoured-nation" rates. Meanwhile, the EU is now subject to a 10% tariff that includes any MFN rates, having previously agreed a 15% rate, including MFN rates, last year. The EU also had some tariff exemptions reintroduced.

"For most firms exporting goods to the US, it will remain 'business as usual' today," said William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.

"However, there will be concerns about the loss of the UK's competitive advantage over the EU and other countries which have secured a more favourable deal in other goods sectors."

(Reporting by Alistair Smout and William James; Editing by Kate Holton and Kevin Liffey)