Trump said it would, ‘cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.’
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a “full and comprehensive” trade deal has been agreed with Britain.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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 added, “Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement.”
Trump did not provide further details of the deal, which is due to be formally announced at 10 a.m. at the White House.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said he would give an “update” about U.S. trade talks later in the day.
“As you know, talks with the U.S. have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today.” Starmer said at a defense conference in London.
It is the first bilateral trade deal announced since Trump began to impose tariffs on U.S. trading partners. Shortly after imposing reciprocal tariffs on April 2, he paused them for 90 days on all nations except for China, sparking a flurry of negotiations.
On Wednesday, on Truth Social, Trump said, “Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
Last month the Trump administration imposed a 10 percent tariff on imports from Britain, currently on pause, as well as a 25 percent charge on imported autos, steel and aluminium.
Responding to the tariffs at the time, Starmer acknowledged the 10 percent rate would “clearly” have an impact, but called for a “cool and calm” approach and said he wanted a “fair and balanced” trade relationship with the United States.
During a House hearing Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers that the United States has received “good offers” in ongoing tariff negotiations with 17 major trading partners, with some deals expected to be announced this week.
Bessent did not specify which countries are involved but said he anticipates a “substantial reduction of the tariffs that we are being charged, as well as non-tariff barriers, currency manipulation, and subsidies.”
After talks at the White House on Feb. 27, Starmer said a trade deal between Washington and London would have “advanced technology at its core.”
