FILE PHOTO: Shipping containers are stacked on top of each other at the Port of Felixstowe in Felixstowe, Britain, February 17, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Friday said it was pressing the United States on pharmaceutical tariffs in hope of a beneficial outcome, after President Donald Trump said a new 100% tariff would apply to firms unless they build a manufacturing presence in the country.

"We know this will be concerning for industry, which is why we've been actively engaging with the U.S. and will continue to do so over the coming days," a British government spokesperson said.

"Sectors such as pharmaceuticals are critical to our economy... so we will continue to press the U.S. for outcomes that reflect the strength of our relationship and deliver real benefits for UK industry."

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by William James)