Trump Announces ‘Full, Comprehensive’ US-UK Trade Deal, First of Several Expected

President Donald Trump on Thursday officially confirmed a sweeping new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom, calling it a “full and comprehensive” deal that will strengthen bilateral economic ties for years to come, Fox News reports.

“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,” Trump wrote on TRUTH Social Thursday morning. “Because of our long-time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, [are] to follow!”

Trump described the moment as a landmark achievement for both nations.

“This should be a very big and exciting day for the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The Golden Age of America is coming!” he added.

The announcement followed a teaser from Trump on Wednesday, when he told followers a “major trade deal” would be unveiled during a news conference from the Oval Office, though he had not disclosed the country involved at the time.

The New York Times first reported that the United Kingdom would be the partner in the trade deal, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

Key Elements of the Deal

Details of the agreement have not yet been released in full, but early indicators suggest it includes adjustments to tariffs on key industries. As of early April, the US had imposed a 10% reciprocal tariff on UK imports. The Trump administration also reinstated a 25% global tariff on cars and vehicle parts on April 3, affecting even traditional allies like the UK. A separate 25% tariff on U.S. steel, aluminum, and related imports was reintroduced in March.

Prior to the latest tariffs, most UK goods entering the US faced relatively low duties, typically ranging from 0% to 2.5%, though higher tariffs applied to certain products like vehicles and raw materials. The UK, following World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, levied tariffs on US goods averaging 3.8% in 2023, with some product categories—such as seafood, trucks, and fertilizers—facing significantly higher rates.

The US recorded an $11.9 billion goods trade surplus with the UK in 2024, a 17.4% increase from the previous year, signaling strong economic engagement between the two countries.

A UK official earlier this week said that negotiations had made “good progress,” with the deal likely to include reduced tariff quotas on steel and automobiles—both of which have been hot-button topics in transatlantic trade talks.

The new pact with the US comes just days after the UK finalized a separate free trade agreement with India, underscoring Britain’s efforts to expand its global trade network post-Brexit.

Broader Trade Context

The announcement also comes amid heightened global trade tensions. US and Chinese officials are scheduled to hold high-stakes trade talks in Switzerland this weekend, a potential thaw in a strained economic relationship that has roiled markets and supply chains globally.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s renewed tariffs and unpredictable trade policies have drawn criticism from economists and international observers. The International Monetary Fund last month downgraded its global growth projections, warning that escalating trade frictions could further dampen recovery and investment worldwide.

Despite these concerns, Trump has continued to frame his trade agenda as a key component of a broader economic revival. In Thursday’s announcement, he reiterated his vision of ushering in a “Golden Age” for American workers and industry through bilateral agreements designed to reduce deficits and protect domestic production.

More trade announcements are expected in the coming months, according to administration officials.