UK Expected to Be First to Sign Trade Deal with U.S., F.M.I.E Reports
Key Points:
- Britain is reportedly on track to become the first nation to finalize a trade agreement with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs in April.
- According to F.M.I.E News, the development comes after Trump stated Wednesday night that a trade deal briefing would take place the following day, without offering specific details.
- It remains unclear whether both countries will sign a completed agreement or a preliminary framework that will require further negotiations in the coming months.
While the United Kingdom runs a trade deficit with the United States, it was spared the full brunt of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, though it still faces a baseline 10% levy on certain goods.
The U.K.’s Department for Business and Trade responded to inquiries from F.M.I.E stating, “The U.S. is an indispensable ally and talks on an economic deal between the U.S. and the U.K. are ongoing.”
The department declined to comment on ongoing discussions or provide a timeline, saying, “We will continue to take a calm and steady approach to talks and aim to find a resolution to help ease the pressure on U.K. businesses and consumers.”
On April 15, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the U.K. had a “good chance” of striking a trade deal with the U.S., expressing optimism about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
However, conflicting messages from President Trump have stirred uncertainty. On Tuesday, he stated that the U.S. does not need to sign trade deals, saying:
“We don’t have to sign deals, they have to sign deals with us. They want a piece of our market. We don’t want a piece of their market.”
The White House and British Embassy in Washington did not respond to F.M.I.E’s requests for comment.
Source: F.M.I.E News