A significant trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom is set to be unveiled today, with US President Donald Trump heralding it as a "comprehensive" deal that will "cement" the special relationship between the two nations.
Mail Online reported that Trump announced the "major trade deal" on social media, describing it as "big and exciting" ahead of an Oval Office announcement. The president emphasized that this would be "the first of many" such agreements.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to share the news, writing: "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." The president added, "Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement."
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. Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to be caught somewhat off guard by the announcement, which came during a day focused on VE Day commemorations, Mail Online reported. Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Starmer acknowledged, "As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing and you'll hear more from me about that later today."
Sources indicate the deal might reduce the impact of Trump's 25% tariffs on car and steel imports and potentially head off similar actions against the pharmaceutical sector. Bank of England governor welcomed the development as he announced an interest rate cut, saying it would help reduce uncertainty. Mail Online mentioned that while hopes of completely escaping the 10% baseline tariffs have diminished, the package likely includes quotas to ease their effects. In exchange, the UK is expected to make concessions on digital sales tax and lower tariffs on US cars and farming products.
Mail Online reported that Brexiteers have pointed out the UK is the first to secure a deal with the US, despite former President Barack Obama's warning that Britain would be at the "back of the queue" if it left the European Union. The announcement comes just days after the UK finalized a trade deal with India, which Starmer described as a "landmark."
