The measures announced by the White House include a 10% tariff on exports from the UK, and 20% on those from the EU, including from Ireland.

The Upper Bann MLA said: “Trump’s trade war is an act of economic self-harm that will threaten jobs and livelihoods in the United States and across the globe.

“Alliance’s priority remains protecting the best interests of workers and businesses in Northern Ireland. We will impress upon both the UK and Irish Governments the need to consider Northern Ireland’s unique position as part of discussions on potential retaliatory action well as the importance of working in cooperation with our neighbours and allies against these bully-boy tactics.  

“Reports that the UK Government is considering concessions such as slashing the digital services tax for US tech giants, and undercutting our agricultural sector, is deeply concerning. Such a move would only tie the UK economy to the folly of Trump’s isolationism and protectionism and line the pockets of actors like Elon Musk.

”As my colleague Sorcha Eastwood MP has made clear in the House of Commons today, these platforms have wreaked havoc on democracy in the UK and they should not be rewarded for that with tax breaks and higher profits.”