Potential UK-US trade deal could negate need for tariffs, says Trump
A potential trade deal between the UK and US could mean that additional tariffs placed on trans-Atlantic exports might be "not necessary", according to Donald Trump.
At a White House press conference following a visit from UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Trump said that a deal between the two nations could be struck "very quickly".
The two premiers had "great discussions on trade", according to the US president, who labelled Starmer as a "tough negotiator".
He said there was a "very good chance" of a deal being made, adding: "the people are working on it [...] it could be terrific for both countries”.
Trump has threatened additional export duties against several countries – with potential tariffs of 25% on all goods exported from the EU to the US – as he seeks more equitable trade across the world.
Earlier this month, the US president said: "The UK is out of line. But I'm sure that one, I think that one, can be worked out."
"Kier Starmer’s appearance of the White House appears to have gone as well as it could, with the president seemingly open to a favourable trade deal that will avoid tariffs on UK exports to the US," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets.
"This should come to no surprise given the trade deficit the UK currently holds with the US, standing in stark contrast to the surplus enjoyed by the European Union."