JD Vance Signals Potential US-UK Economic Deal Under Trump Administration

US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that the Trump administration is likely to forge an economic agreement with the United Kingdom, a potential boon for the UK government’s efforts to reduce trade barriers, Bloomberg reports.

In an interview with UnHerd, Vance stated:

“There’s a good chance that, yes, we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries.”

He suggested that the UK enjoys a more favorable path to a deal compared to other European nations, adding:

“With the United Kingdom, we have a much more reciprocal relationship than we have with, say, Germany.”

These comments will likely be welcomed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour administration has been actively pursuing closer trading ties with the US through an economic deal. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds recently affirmed that Britain remains “closely engaged” with the American government on the prospect of such an agreement.

While the UK had hoped its diplomatic approach would shield it from Trump’s tariffs, it ultimately faced a 10% baseline rate despite avoiding the initially proposed 20% levies imposed on some other European nations. Furthermore, even after Trump paused the higher rates, the UK remains subject to 25% tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum.

Secretary Reynolds has described these tariffs as “disappointing” and reaffirmed his commitment to securing a comprehensive deal.

“There is no justification, in my view, for putting tariff barriers in place between the UK and the US, further tariff barriers,” he stated. “I think we can reduce those barriers to trade. I think we can get British companies, businesses based in Britain, greater access to the US market in a way that works for them, and we can address some of their concerns.”