Car exports from the UK to the US picked up in July thanks to the trade deal between London and Washington, which cut tariffs in the sector.

This is what industry data shows, AFP reported.

After three months of decline, exports in July rose 6.8% to nearly 10,000 cars, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said.

New car sales to the US had slumped 55.4% year-on-year in May, following smaller declines in April and June, the SMMT said earlier.

"The US remains the largest single national market for UK-built cars, highlighting the importance of the UK-US trade agreement, and July's results illustrate the impact of that agreement," the association said.

The agreement, which was concluded in May and entered into force on June 30, reduced tariffs on UK car exports to 10% for a quota of 100,000 cars per year.

US President Donald Trump imposed a 27.5% tariff in April, which affected demand and forced manufacturers, including Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, to halt or limit deliveries.

Nearly 80% of cars manufactured in the UK last year were exported, mainly to the European Union.

The UK automotive sector is dominated by foreign brands, including Japanese giant Nissan and Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover.

At the same time, the US is a key market for luxury models manufactured in the UK by companies such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce, which are German-owned. | BGNES