US President Donald Trump unveiled a “breakthrough” trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday, marking the first such deal since he initiated his global tariffs campaign. The agreement promises to reduce tariffs on British cars and remove levies on steel and aluminum imports, while Britain, in return, will open its markets to American beef and other farm products.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also hailed the deal as a “historic day,” although the specifics of the agreement remain limited, with both sides acknowledging that further negotiations are needed. Trump’s 10 percent baseline tariff on Britain, which was part of his global “Liberation Day” tariffs introduced in April, is still in effect.
“I’m thrilled to announce that we have reached a breakthrough trade deal with the United Kingdom,” Trump said in a phone call with Starmer from the Oval Office. “This deal includes billions of dollars in increased market access for American exports, particularly in agriculture.”
The agreement was finalized at the last moment, with Starmer revealing that he received Trump’s approval late Wednesday evening while watching a football match. “This is a really fantastic, historic day,” Starmer remarked during the call.
The announcement coincided with the 80th anniversary of “Victory Day” for Allied forces, including Britain and the US, marking their victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.