Donald Trump’s arrival at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday September 16 2025. This was the first event on his state visit to the United Kingdom. Joined by First Lady Melania Trump, he was welcomed by Viscount Hood, Lord-in-Waiting, as he set foot on British soil. This visit is taking place as both countries try to nail down the final details of a U.S.-U.K. trade agreement that is still very much incomplete.
Later on Wednesday, Trump is due to meet King Charles III in Windsor. Then later on Thursday, he’ll take part in conversations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. This trade mission aims to build those commercial ties. It’s an attempt to bolster the time-tested, indefatigable, “special relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K.
In a July press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump touted his commitment to helping the U.K. Further, like his predecessors, he wants to improve their newly minted trade agreement with the United States. He stated, “We’ve made a deal, and it’s a great deal, and I’m into helping them.” He expressed more specific goals for his visit, showing an interest in achieving real improvements to the agreement.
As Anthony Gardner, the former U.S. Ambassador to the EU under President Barack Obama, told us, that makes this visit all the more critical. Yet Gardner acknowledged that it offers a window to complete finishing touches on agreements and pointed out the trade deal is still very much a work in progress. “It’s not yet a real deal, and there’s still some important parts of that deal which remain to be filled in,” he remarked.
The U.K. government has been very keen to cut the 25% duties on steel and aluminum exports to the United States. They expect to see this pledge translated into reality, as called for in previous negotiations. The existing baseline tariff of 10% has been an especially high-profile sticking point for many industry executives. In 2024, the U.K. accounted for 7% of the U.S.’s total steel exports, valued at approximately £370 million ($505 million). Steel industry advocates have contested that the majority of steel products exported are high value, specialized products. This helps to prevent them from aggressively underpricing the domestic market in the U.S.
Negotiations are still proceeding, but a U.S. International Trade Administration agreement to remove tariffs on U.K. steel exports has been stalled indefinitely. Indeed, reports coming in from BBC corroborate this delay. This has alarmed UK industry heads who are understandably eager to see action in the continuing UK – US trade talks.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that Trump’s visit zeroes in on trade discussions. It further illustrates the U.K.’s ambition to lead the world into a new “golden age” of energy partnerships. The visit coincides with announcements of various energy deals, particularly in nuclear power, aimed at bolstering collaboration in this sector.
Gardner was keen to stress that Britain is still an attractive proposition for investment. “Britain is a great place to invest. There are going to be a lot of announcements about investments, not only by financial firms but otherwise, in the U.K.,” he stated.
Trump’s state visit isn’t wholly about business. Yet it offers both countries the chance to reaffirm their dedication to transatlantic cooperation. As industry leaders set their sights on future deals and partnerships, they know that changing the conversations and narratives about these relationships is just as important.
“They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit.” – Donald Trump
“There are many deals that have been previewed; there is business that will be had, but this is really about shifting the narrative for these countries and saying: ‘Hey, we are here.’” – [No specific person quoted]
Even as Trump’s visit develops over the next few days, everyone is looking for signs of economic progress. They further look for improved diplomatic relations between the United States and Britain.