Donald Trump has confirmed a significant new trade deal with the UK, marking his first agreement with a foreign nation since introducing controversial tariffs earlier this year.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has imposed various tariffs on nations worldwide, drawing widespread criticism from global leaders. However, the US has now secured a new trade agreement with one of its closest allies, the UK.
On May 7, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the upcoming trade deal, stating, “Big News Conference tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M., The Oval Office, concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!”
The UK government, under Sir Keir Starmer, has been negotiating with the US to mitigate the impact of sweeping tariffs introduced by Trump last month. These included a 10% levy on all UK exports and a 25% charge on steel, aluminum, and cars.
In a White House statement, Trump described the agreement with the UK as a “great deal for both countries.” Meanwhile, Starmer called the deal a “fantastic, historic day,” noting the importance of the trade agreement in strengthening US-UK relations.
Trump emphasized that the deal would be “full and comprehensive,” solidifying the relationship between the two countries “for many years to come.”
Earlier reports suggested that the deal could involve the UK lowering some tariffs on US products and potentially modifying the digital services tax that affects mainly US tech companies. However, Starmer has ruled out lowering food standards to permit more US agricultural products and has also rejected any changes to the Online Safety Act.
A spokeswoman for Number 10 commented, “The Prime Minister will always act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for business, for families. The United States is an indispensable ally for both our economic and national security.”
Ahead of the announcement, the British Prime Minister vowed to “deliver security and renewal for our country.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hKDE5331Dc
