"A Big and Exciting Step Forward" - Trump Announces UK Trade Deal
Trump affirmed pact on commerce with Britain
On his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump has announced a significant breakthrough, revealing a "full and comprehensive" trade agreement between the US and UK. Taking to the digital platform, Trump claimed that this accord will solidify the relationship between the two nations.
According to Trump, this development will mark a notably momentous day for both the US and UK. He has scheduled a press conference in the Oval Office at 10 am local time (4 pm CEST) to discuss the details of the agreement further. Trump expressed his excitement, stating, "It's a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other agreements, which are in serious negotiating phases, will follow!"
The specifics of the agreement have not been disclosed at this time. Media outlets have previously speculated potential concessions from both parties, such as a relaxation of Trump's tariffs, particularly for the UK's automotive industry, and compromises in areas like agricultural products and tax on digital services. However, it's worth noting that these are merely speculations, and the agreement's exact terms remain to be seen.
Some experts have warned that the agreement might be short-term and limited to select economic sectors rather than a broad, comprehensive free trade agreement.
Chlorine Chicken and Hormone Beef Concerns
At present, British exports face a 10 percent tariff, with 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum, cars, and car parts. Recent developments have shown that the UK has signed a long-term, extensive free trade agreement with India, signaling a new era of trade after the announcement.
However, the prospective US-UK deal might impact relations with the EU. Reports suggest that US food standards will not be recognized, meaning consumers in the UK will not see chlorine chicken or hormone-treated beef in supermarkets anytime soon. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU Council President António Costa are aiming to deepen their common relations, with a summit scheduled for May 19. A dynamic agreement in the area of animal health and food standards has been repeatedly speculated.
- Keywords: Trade Relations, Tariffs, US, UK, Donald Trump
- Insight: The announced US-UK trade deal is expected to focus on reducing or lifting the 25 percent import tariffs that the US had previously imposed on certain British goods. However, the agreement might be limited to tariff relief for select sectors rather than a comprehensive free trade agreement covering all goods and services. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have raised concerns about the impact on American jobs and national security, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged potential challenges ahead in negotiating the specifics of the deal [1].
[1] Source: ntv.de, spl/dpa/DJ (May 8, 2025)
- The new US-UK trade deal, announced by President Donald Trump, is expected to focus on reducing tariffs that have been imposed on certain British goods.
- Despite the potential for a trade deal, concerns have been raised by Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress about the impact on American jobs and national security.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledges potential challenges in negotiating the specifics of the US-UK deal.
- Although US food standards will not be recognized in the UK, chlorine chicken and hormone-treated beef might not appear in UK supermarkets immediately due to the prospective US-UK deal's impact on EU relations.
