ANT Industries, a leading precision engineering firm supplying major aerospace platforms worldwide, has welcomed the announcement of immediate tariff cuts between the UK and US aerospace sectors as “a defining moment for British engineering exporters.” The new UK-US trade deal, which came into force this week, removes the 10% export tariffs on aerospace components such as engines and aircraft parts. The government says the deal will save hundreds of millions of pounds annually and protect thousands of skilled jobs across the UK.
Shaun Rowley, Managing Director of ANT Industries, described the move as a “hugely positive signal” to both UK manufacturers and their global customers. “This is the kind of trade policy that makes a real-world difference,” Rowley said. “For companies like ANT, who are deeply embedded in the global aerospace supply chain, the removal of tariffs immediately makes us more competitive in the US market.”
Operating from a 28,000 sq ft facility in Atherstone, ANT Industries specialises in 5-axis CNC machining and high-precision engineering for rotating components used in civil and defence aerospace engines. The firm supports over 20 international aerospace and turbine platforms, working with exotic alloys such as nimonic and titanium.
“Our customers are asking us to deliver complex parts, fast,” Rowley continued. “With global OEMs ramping up production and order backlogs stretching into the 2030s, this tariff cut couldn’t have come at a better time. It reduces cost pressures on both sides and helps ensure UK-made components remain the first choice for quality and reliability.” The trade deal follows the UK government’s broader commitment to sector-specific trade agreements aimed at supporting high-value manufacturing and driving growth. Aerospace industry bodies such as ADS have also praised the deal as a win for innovation and global competitiveness.
For ANT Industries, which holds NADCAP and AS9100 accreditations, the announcement aligns with an already bullish year. The company has seen record demand in 2025, and is investing in next-generation inspection systems, digital quality control, and workforce development to scale its response. “The aerospace industry is shifting rapidly, and we’re evolving with it,” said Rowley. “But policy decisions like this one give us the platform to grow faster, hire more engineers, and export more high-value components. It’s a great day for our team—and for UK manufacturing.”
The firm is also doubling down on its commitment to mentoring and upskilling, with experienced engineers supporting the next generation through cross-functional project teams.
“We’re proud of our people, and proud to be part of a global supply chain that relies on British skill and precision,” Rowley concluded. “This trade deal is recognition of that—and it puts us in a stronger position to help shape the future of aerospace.”