The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) urged the United States today to drop its illegal tariffs on steel imports and reject other quick fixes that are damaging the global economy.
As President George W. Bush prepares to visit Britain this week, CBI President Mr John Egan said there is a real danger of the United States sliding towards isolationism and protectionism.
"The US government's stance on steel tariffs is not only illegal it is damaging business on both sides of the Atlantic," he told business leaders gathered for their annual conference in Birmingham. "I urge the president to abandon the tariffs as soon as possible."
Last week, the World Trade Organization ruled the Bush administration's imposition of tariffs on steel imports was illegal, and Europe is threatening to retaliate with $2 billion of sanctions against the United States.
British officials are hoping Mr Bush might announce dropping of the tariffs during his visit, offering some vindication for Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair's strong support for the United States over the war in Iraq - a policy that is at odds with public opinion.
