Steve Feltham, a dedicated Loch Ness Monster hunter, has decided to refuse sales of his clay models of the mythical creature to American tourists as a form of protest against recently imposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. This decision, announced amid growing concerns over a potential global recession sparked by these trade measures, signifies a personal stand by Feltham, whose craft is essential for sustaining his full-time search for Nessie in the Scottish Highlands.
Feltham has taken a notable step to restrict the availability of his products to customers from the United States, stating defiantly that his creations "are no longer available to purchase by people ordering from the USA.” His commitment to this course of action comes despite the potential financial implications, given that the sales of these souvenirs constitute a significant aspect of his income.
In the wake of his announcement, Feltham faced considerable backlash from some Americans on social media platforms. Responding to the criticism, he opted to disable comments on his Facebook posts. He told The Sun, “I'm not interested in a discussion about what kind of world Trump is creating. I'm not subjecting you to my political viewpoint, and this is not the place to be subjected to other people's.” This sentiment highlights his determination to separate his business from political discourse.
Trump's tariff announcement on Wednesday shocked many, with the President implementing a 10% import tax on goods from the UK amid a much broader set of tariffs that included a hefty 25% blanket tariff on all foreign cars entering the United States. As a consequence, stock markets worldwide reacted sharply, with estimates indicating that £2 trillion had been erased as fears of an economic downturn intensified. Olu Sonola, head of US economic research at the ratings agency Fitch, remarked, “Many countries will likely end up in a recession. You can throw most forecasts out the door if this tariff rate stays on for an extended period of time.”
Feltham is not alone in feeling the effects of these tariffs. The automotive sector is also experiencing significant shifts, with Jaguar Land Rover recently announcing they would "pause" shipments to the US while they adapt to the new trading environment. The company exported approximately 38,000 vehicles to the US in the third quarter of 2024, a figure that nearly matches their sales in the UK and EU during the same period.
Despite the tumultuous economic landscape created by Trump's policies, the President appeared unfazed, opting to spend time on the golf course following his announcement. This juxtaposition of a personal leisure pursuit against the backdrop of economic turmoil exemplifies the complexities surrounding the impact of trade policies on individual lives and businesses.
Source: Noah Wire Services