Starmer Warns of “End of the World as We Knew It” Amid US Tariffs

LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Sunday that “the world as we knew it” is over, as the global economy braces for further impact from the introduction of sweeping US tariffs. In an op-ed for The Sunday Telegraph, Starmer stated that the recent announcement by US President Donald Trump of significant tariffs on Chinese goods marks a pivotal shift in global trade dynamics, where “old assumptions can no longer be taken for granted.”

Starmer emphasized that the new world order will be governed less by established norms and more by shifting deals and alliances. His comments come as markets have already started to react negatively, with heightened uncertainty about the future economic landscape. Trump’s 34% tariff on Chinese goods, effective next week, is expected to lead to reciprocal measures, with China imposing a 34% levy on US products starting April 10. The European Union and Japan are also among the countries facing increased tariffs, escalating fears of recessions in major economies.

In response to the trade upheaval, Starmer stressed the importance of remaining calm and pragmatic while fighting for the best possible trade deals for the UK. While the country has been relatively unaffected so far with a 10% tariff, Starmer warned that the UK must adapt to the rapidly changing global economic environment, noting that “nobody wins from a trade war.” He also indicated that the UK’s response would be strategic, with all options on the table, particularly when negotiating future trade agreements with the US.

The new tariffs are being compared to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which is often cited as a major factor in triggering the Great Depression. As a direct consequence of the tariffs, UK luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover announced it would pause shipments to the US in April to adjust to the new trading conditions.

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Looking ahead, Starmer signaled that the UK government was prepared to intervene directly to protect key sectors from the fallout. He revealed plans to boost domestic competitiveness and enhance industrial strategy through state intervention, recognizing that old policies and approaches may no longer be viable in the rapidly evolving global economy. “Some people may feel uncomfortable about this, but we simply cannot cling on to old sentiments when the world is turning this fast,” Starmer concluded.

With the tariffs already shaking global markets, all eyes will be on the UK’s next steps as the fallout from Trump’s trade policy continues to unfold.