On Thursday, Britain will formally sign its biggest trade agreement with the United States since the end of World War II. This announcement follows just weeks after he introduced a 10% blanket tariff on all UK imports at the beginning of this month. Trump just this week announced a 90-day “pause” on the tariffs. He insisted this decision is just one piece in a broader plan to put in place “reciprocal” import duties that would punish most other nations on Earth.
At the beginning of April, Trump announced the blanket tariff as a tool to negotiate his desired new trade relationships. His phone was flooded with questions from other countries wanting to take to make their own deals with the United States. The backlash prompted him to announce a pause. “I decided on the pause after dozens of countries reached out to negotiate new trade relationships with the U.S.,” Trump stated on Truth Social.
Of all the potential trade deals, the one with the UK is particularly interesting and important. More than that, it furthers the historic partnership between our two countries. Trump emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.” He further touted the privilege of having made the UK the inaugural country to receive an announcement under this new trade program. This milestone is a big victory for both countries. “Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement,” Trump remarked.
This new agreement is taking place against the backdrop of current U.S. tariffs on foreign imports of steel, aluminum, and cars. These tariffs have had a catastrophic impact on UK trade. How all of these tariffs are handled under the new agreement is still unclear.
According to a spokesperson from 10 Downing Street, “Talks on a deal between our countries have been continuing at pace and the Prime Minister will update later today.” The spokesperson added that the UK government “will always act in Britain’s national interest,” indicating a focus on ensuring beneficial outcomes for the British economy.
So as Trump works to finalize this huge trade deal, he suggested there are more agreements on the way. “Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!” he stated, suggesting an ambitious plan for enhancing U.S. trade relations globally.