White House says talks are ‘ UK-US trade talks are very positive,’ while UK ministers urge caution on standards and sovereignty.
- Trump’s Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says UK-US trade talks are “moving in a very positive way,” hinting at renewed White House focus post-Brexit
- UK hopes a deal could offset damaging Trump-era tariffs imposed last month on key British exports
- Leavitt confirms camaraderie between Trump and UK Prime Minister Starmer, despite political differences
- UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she’s “confident” a deal can be reached — but “non-negotiable” on food safety and online protections
- Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden: A deal is “possible, not certain” — cautions against a rushed agreement
Inside the Talks:
After years of limbo under the Biden administration, UK-US trade negotiations appear to have re-entered Washington’s priority list under Trump’s second term. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday that discussions with the UK are productive and advancing positively. She praised Trump’s relationship with Britain and described a “mutual respect” that bodes well for economic collaboration.
“President Trump always speaks incredibly highly of the UK. I’ve seen the camaraderie between him and Prime Minister Starmer first-hand in the Oval Office,” Leavitt said.
In Westminster, there’s cautious optimism. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden confirmed that high-level engagement is ongoing, but urged the public not to assume a deal is guaranteed.
“An agreement is possible. I don’t want to say it’s certain, but there is serious work going on,” McFadden told Sky’s Trevor Phillips.
At the same time, the UK government faces internal pressure not to compromise on key national standards, particularly related to food imports and digital safety. Concerns have been raised that Trump’s aggressive trade approach could push Britain into lowering food standards or altering its regulatory policies.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who visited Washington last week, addressed those fears directly.
“We’re not watering down our standards. The Online Safety Act is in force, and the safety of our children is non-negotiable,” Reeves told Sky News correspondent Gurpreet Narwan.
Strategic Stakes:
The UK is keen to secure better access to the U.S. market to ease the economic strain of Trump’s recent tariffs on British steel, automotive parts, and agricultural exports. In return, the U.S. is expected to push for expanded agricultural access, digital trade concessions, and favorable terms for American tech and pharmaceutical firms.
“Trump’s playbook is deal-making through leverage,” said a senior trade analyst. “The tariffs may be a pressure tactic to extract concessions — the UK will need to walk a fine line.”
Despite public optimism from both sides, negotiators remain far apart on multiple provisions, especially where UK sovereignty and regulatory protections are concerned. Food safety, GMOs, taxation powers, and online content moderation are likely to be sticking points.
Market Implications:
- UK exporters may see tariff relief if a deal includes rollbacks on Trump’s latest duties
- U.S. firms — especially in agriculture and tech — stand to gain from expanded market access
- The British pound may strengthen modestly if formal progress is confirmed
- Watch for movement in UK-listed multinationals like Unilever, Diageo, and GlaxoSmithKline — especially those exposed to U.S. markets
A UK-US trade deal is no longer theoretical. Under Trump’s administration, the pace has picked up — but the substance remains tricky. Both sides talk unity, but beneath the smiles lie hard, strategic interests. The coming weeks will determine whether this optimism produces a meaningful, fair agreement — or just another round of headlines.
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
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