UK households are being urged to stock up on tinned food as soon as possible for two separate reasons.
Right now, Donald Trump’s tariffs have caused economic chaos worldwide, after the US President kicked off a trade war with China, the EU, the UK, Ukraine and almost every nation in the world by introducng tariffs on exports to the US from those countries (except Russia, which was spared any tarrifs).
Although the President has now climbed down on some of his tariffs for a ‘90-day pause’, 10% tariffs on imports are still in effect, while steel and aluminium tariffs of 25% on exports from the UK to the US are also still in place, which could see the price of tinned food in the UK increase very soon.
Industry bodies like UK Steel have sounded the alarm about the impact this could have on UK consumers, and the economy as a whole.
If UK steel manufacturers see reduced sales on exports to the US, they may need to raise prices in other markets to balance it out, including in Britain.
Gareth Stace, Director General of industry body UK Steel, said the tariffs are “deeply concerning” and could cost the UK £100m a year.
In particular, goods made in the UK from aluminium including drinks cans, tinned food and kitchen foil could be affected and see prices increase – which could lead many shoppers to wanting to stockpile before prices jump.
As reported by The Independent: “The tariffs raise a flat duty on steel and aluminium entering America to 25 per cent. This could affect UK products worth hundreds of millions of pounds as products like cars, cans and tin foil are likely to become more expensive.”
But there’s another key reason experts say UK households should stock up on tinned foods, regardless of the price.
The UK’s Prepare website contains a list of key advice for British households to be ready for possible emergencies in future.
Among its guidance, it urges households to have a set of emergency supplies at home, including batteries, power banks, radios, bottled water and tinned food.
The UK government advice says: “Emergencies happen every day in the UK and across the world. They can be caused by severe weather or other natural hazards, by deliberate actions, or as a result of accidents or infrastructure failure. They can be events that happen quickly and are over in a few hours, or they can develop and continue over the course of several days, months, or sometimes even longer.
“Put together an emergency kit of items at home. This could include: Non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables (and a tin opener). As with water, how much you need will vary based on your own circumstances. Don’t forget food for pets.”
It recommends that households slowly build up supplies over time, rather than rush out and grab the items in one go, adding: “Rather than buying all the items at once, you could just add to your emergency kit when you are able and build it up over time.”