The United Kingdom and the United States are on the verge of confirming a landmark UK-US trade deal — the first agreement finalised by the White House since former President Donald Trump reintroduced sweeping global tariffs last month.
Trump described the announcement as “a very big and exciting day” ahead of a joint press conference scheduled for Thursday in the Oval Office. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond at a simultaneous briefing in London.
Deal Aims to Reduce US Tariffs on British Steel, Aluminium, and Cars
At the heart of the trade agreement is a pledge to ease American tariffs on key British exports, particularly steel, aluminium, and automobiles. Trump hailed the deal as “full and comprehensive,” adding that it would solidify long-term economic cooperation between both nations.
“This is a great honour for the United Kingdom to be our FIRST post-tariff announcement,” he posted on Truth Social. “Other deals are on the way.”
UK Offers Concessions to Secure Economic Agreement
UK officials have been in Washington DC this week to finalise the deal ahead of a crucial UK-EU summit on 19 May. The government has reportedly offered concessions on US tech taxation and import duties on American goods, while firmly rejecting the inclusion of chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef in UK markets.
The US currently imposes a 10% tariff on all UK exports and a 25% charge on steel, aluminium, and vehicles. While the 10% baseline is expected to remain, some sector-specific tariffs will be lifted under the new agreement. It is still unclear whether these changes will be permanent.
Starmer Seeks Post-Brexit Trade Momentum with US and India
The announcement follows Keir Starmer’s earlier success this week in concluding a long-awaited free trade agreement with India, aiming to reduce tariffs on exports such as cars and whisky, and on Indian imports like textiles and selected foods. Both deals are designed to mitigate the economic pressure of Trump’s tariffs and strengthen Britain’s global trade position.
Vice President JD Vance hinted at progress weeks ago, noting a “good chance” of a “great agreement” with the UK. Defence Secretary John Healey echoed that sentiment, calling the US “an indispensable ally” in both economic and national security terms.
Calls for Parliamentary Oversight
Despite the optimism, critics have urged transparency. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper called for Parliament to vote on any deal, stating: “If the government believes this agreement with Trump serves Britain’s interests, it should welcome scrutiny in the House of Commons.”
With final details expected later today, all eyes are on whether this bilateral deal will deliver meaningful relief from tariffs and bolster Britain’s trade resilience in a shifting global landscape.
