UK Business Minister Heads to US for Trade Talks

Greenwatch Desk error 2025-03-18, 11:20am

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UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will travel to Washington on Tuesday to hold crucial trade discussions with US officials as both countries aim to advance negotiations on a potential trade deal. Reynolds is also set to advocate for the UK’s exemption from the steel import tariffs recently imposed by the US.

During his visit, Reynolds will meet with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for their first face-to-face talks since President Donald Trump's return to office in January. The meeting comes as both nations look to deepen their economic ties, with the UK hoping to secure more favorable trade terms with the US after Brexit.

“This visit to Washington DC represents another important step in our practical and positive engagement with the new administration to secure a broader economic agreement that benefits both countries,” Reynolds stated ahead of the talks.

The United States remains the UK’s largest trading partner, with both nations holding investments of over £1.2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) in each other’s economies. The UK had initially hoped to sign a comprehensive free trade agreement with the US post-Brexit, but those ambitions faltered as discussions quickly stalled.

Reports suggest the two sides are now considering a smaller, more focused trade deal, potentially targeting sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. Reynolds' visit follows President Trump’s recent announcement of a 25% tariff on global steel and aluminium imports—a move that has added urgency to the discussions.

Unlike the European Union, which has retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods, Britain has refrained from imposing similar measures, opting instead to negotiate a trade deal that could address tariffs if successful.

“Protecting and growing the industries that are vital to the UK’s economy and our ambitious plans for change is a top priority for this government,” Reynolds emphasized.

During a White House meeting last month, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had urged Trump to exempt Britain from the new tariffs. The UK exports approximately 10% of its steel to the United States, worth nearly £400 million in 2023, and has since announced a multibillion-pound plan to safeguard its domestic steel industry.

With the UK and US sharing a longstanding economic relationship, Reynolds stressed that both countries stand to gain from stronger ties. "The UK and the US share a fair and balanced relationship, one that has benefitted both sides for decades, and we will both benefit further as we deepen this partnership," he added.