Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the long-anticipated UK-US trade agreement is in its final stages, stating there are no “hiccups or obstacles” delaying its completion.
The comments come ahead of this weekend’s G7 Summit in Canada, where world leaders will convene to discuss global economic cooperation.
Speaking to Bloomberg News on Friday, Starmer said: “We’re now in the final stages of implementation. There’s nothing unexpected, no issues – I’m confident we’ll conclude it very soon.”
The remarks follow a fresh round of discussions between UK and US negotiators in London, finalising details of the bilateral trade pact first announced last month by Starmer and US President Donald Trump.
Trade Deal to Boost UK Economy and Safeguard Industry
Completing the agreement would mark a significant win for Starmer, who entered office in July last year on a pledge to reinvigorate the British economy.
After months of sluggish growth and declining public approval, securing a comprehensive deal with the United States would bolster the Prime Minister’s economic credentials.
Under the terms outlined in May, the US will slash tariffs on UK car imports from 27.5% to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles annually.
The 25% tariff on British steel will also be dropped entirely, offering much-needed relief to a sector already struggling under current levies.
In exchange, the UK has agreed to increase tariff-free quotas for American beef and ethanol exports to Britain.
Jobs and Industries Set to Benefit from UK-US Trade Pact
British car manufacturers have expressed strong support for the deal, warning that the Trump administration’s earlier tariffs threatened thousands of UK jobs. Starmer noted the deal was “a huge relief” for the automotive industry and would protect and create employment opportunities.
“There are jobs protected, jobs created by this deal,” he added.
The agreement is also a lifeline for the UK’s troubled steel industry, which currently enjoys exemption from the 50% US tariff announced last month.
However, this protection could be lifted if a deal is not formally concluded, and British steel producers have already reported declining US orders due to existing 25% duties.
Final Steps Underway as UK Pushes for Economic Renewal
Starmer reiterated that the deal is now in the final phase: “We’re at the end of the implementation process. I’m very pleased we’ve reached this agreement and hopeful it will be concluded imminently.”
Once finalised, the UK-US trade deal would stand as a cornerstone of Britain’s post-Brexit economic strategy, supporting key export sectors and strengthening the UK’s transatlantic trade ties.
