UK car production plummeted to its lowest level since World War II in May, with exports to the US taking a particularly brutal hit—dropping by half. The slump comes as US tariffs imposed under former President Trump forced some British automakers to stop shipping vehicles altogether.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a bad month for UK carmakers—it’s a warning sign. With trade barriers choking off a key market, the industry’s recovery from pandemic disruptions just got a lot harder. For workers, investors, and even everyday drivers, this could mean fewer jobs, higher prices, or both. And with global trade tensions still simmering, there’s no quick fix in sight.