UK Labels Trade Documents ‘Secret’ to Shield from U.S. Amid Trump Tariff Tensions

UK Marks Trade Documents ‘Secret’ to Shield from U.S. Eyes Amid Trump Tariff Escalation

New Security Measures Reflect Rising Transatlantic Tensions Over Trade and Tariffs

British officials have reclassified sensitive trade negotiation documents as “secret” or “top secret” to prevent potential access or interception by U.S. counterparts, reflecting deepening anxiety over President Donald Trump’s increasingly aggressive trade policies, The Guardian reports.

The change in document-handling procedures was made as civil servants navigate deteriorating trust with Washington, despite ongoing efforts by Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to secure a new economic deal with the United States. Sources close to the matter confirmed that higher security classifications now apply to a growing share of correspondence within the UK’s Foreign Office, Department for Business and Trade, and 10 Downing Street.

The ‘Special Relationship’ Under Strain

Historically, documents related to U.S. trade talks were marked “Official – Sensitive (UK eyes only)” and could be shared across internal email systems. But amid concerns about U.S. surveillance and policy unpredictability, that standard is being tightened, with enhanced guidance on digital transmission and access limitations.

The move underscores a shift in the UK’s risk calculus regarding information shared with one of its closest allies. While the U.S. remains a vital strategic partner, the Trump administration’s unilateral trade actions — including 10% tariffs on most UK exports and 25% duties on steel and automotive goods — have generated increasing unease within Whitehall.

A UK Department for Business and Trade spokesperson sought to downplay tensions, stating:

“The U.S. is an indispensable ally, and negotiations on an economic prosperity deal that strengthens our existing trading relationship continue.”

Starmer’s Concessions and Quiet Diplomacy

Rather than retaliating, the Starmer government has opted for conciliation, reportedly offering compromises on digital taxes and agricultural access in hopes of salvaging talks on a bilateral agreement. This measured approach aligns with statements by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who said on Tuesday that a deal “in the best interest of both countries” remains within reach.

“There’s a real cultural affinity,” said Vance. “And, of course, fundamentally, America is an Anglo country.”

 

Despite diplomatic niceties, behind closed doors officials fear that UK industries — especially in pharmaceuticals and car manufacturing — may be collateral damage in Trump’s “America First” strategy to rebuild domestic production.

International Alarm and Corporate Caution

The UK is not alone in adjusting to a new era of trade secrecy. The European Commission has also reportedly updated its internal protocols, even providing burner phones to staff visiting the U.S. to reduce the risk of sensitive data interception, according to The Financial Times.

British business leaders with transatlantic operations, including in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors, have also been warned to limit exposure. Senior corporate figures confirmed receiving guidance from UK officials to avoid sharing proprietary or strategic information through unsecured channels.

NATO and Security: More Points of Divergence

Tensions over trade are further complicated by diverging U.S. and UK views on Russia, NATO, and defense cooperation. With Trump questioning the future of U.S. commitments to NATO and Europe, UK policymakers are increasingly wary of overreliance on American goodwill in broader geopolitical contexts.

In previous years, the close intelligence relationship between the two countries meant that secure documents were often labeled “UK/US Only” or “Five Eyes” — denoting collaboration between the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But according to The Guardian, recent changes apply solely to trade-related documentation, signaling a shift in compartmentalization strategy.

Global Fallout from Trump's Tariff Campaign

Trump’s ongoing tariff campaign has rattled global markets and drawn criticism from allies. His administration imposed up to 145% duties on Chinese imports, triggering 125% retaliatory tariffs from China. Although Trump has announced a temporary 90-day delay on further tariffs, the policy has already driven up U.S. government borrowing costs and market volatility.

The EU, similarly impacted, has opted to delay its response until July but remains under pressure from China and other trading partners to coordinate an economic counterstrategy. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on European nations to resist what he labeled Trump’s “bullying.”

A New Trade Era with Political Consequences

The increased classification of UK trade materials is more than just a bureaucratic shift — it’s a signal that confidence in U.S. policy predictability is eroding, even among its closest allies. The UK, long seen as America’s most steadfast European partner, is quietly recalibrating how it conducts diplomacy and trade strategy in the face of an unpredictable and increasingly protectionist White House.

With tariffs still in place and skepticism over Trump’s intentions running high in European capitals, UK negotiators are bracing for complex, high-stakes talks under far more guarded terms.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for detailed analysis on transatlantic trade, geopolitical strategy, and how shifting global alliances are reshaping the future of diplomacy and economic policy.