DONALD TRUMP’S punitive tariffs will further harm economies already unable to pay garment workers fair wages, a British workers’ rights organisation has warned.

Anna Bryher, from Labour Behind the Label, said the group is deeply concerned about the potential impact of the US president’s new tariffs on Asian economies such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam — key garment-producing nations already struggling to ensure fair wages and social protections for workers.

Her comments came as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for “cool heads” amid a fresh wave of market volatility sparked by the tariffs.

Britain’s FTSE 100 plunged to a one-year low today, falling by around 5 per cent in early trading.

In response to the uncertainty and a 25 per cent US tariff on car imports, Sir Keir announced a loosening of sales rules for electric vehicles, including the extension of new hybrid car sales until 2035.

Manufacturers will also face fewer penalties if they fall short of zero-emission vehicle targets.

Ms Bryher warned about the impacts on fast fashion, saying: “These tariffs are punitive and will further harm economies already struggling to pay responsible wages and fund social protections for workers who make our clothes.”

She urged fashion brands to commit to long-term sourcing agreements with suppliers in vulnerable economies to help them navigate the changes and provide a guaranteed decent wage for workers.

A Momentum spokesperson said: “In the face of Trump's tariffs, Keir Starmer is right to defend state intervention to promote British industry.

“But he has consistently shied away from measures that would genuinely make the UK more resilient.

“Rather than tinkering round the edges, the government should be taking utilities and key sectors back into public ownership, increasing public investment to promote demand and implementing a wealth tax to address inequality.”