International

Trump set to reveal first major US-UK trade deal in post-Brexit era

Thursday, 8 May 2025 2:58AM UTC

President Donald Trump is poised to announce a landmark trade agreement with the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in post-Brexit trade relations. Key sectors like steel, automobiles, and agriculture are central to the deal, as both governments navigate complex tariff negotiations and regulatory standards ahead of the UK’s Brexit reset summit.

Trump Poised to Announce Major Trade Deal with the UK

Donald Trump is set to unveil an anticipated trade deal with the United Kingdom, scheduled for announcement this Thursday. The President, who has actively sought to recalibrate America’s unequal trade relationships, teased the news in a social media post, proclaiming: “Big News Conference tomorrow morning at 10:00 A.M., The Oval Office, concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!”

According to various reports, this country is the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in post-Brexit trade relations. A UK official confirmed recent advancements towards an agreement that is likely to include reduced tariff quotas on critical sectors such as steel and automobiles. In a landscape transformed by Brexit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is eager to secure this pact before unveiling his extensive Brexit 'reset' at a summit with the EU on May 19.

Negotiations are particularly robust around tariffs, with proposals on the table that promise lower rates on UK exports of cars and steel in exchange for concessions related to a new 'digital tax' from the UK. Furthermore, reductions in tariffs on US agricultural products are expected to be part of the deal. This reciprocal approach encapsulates broader geopolitical strategies and the evolving economic landscape, as both countries wrestle with their respective domestic pressures and external trading dynamics.

The urgency of these negotiations can be attributed to Trump’s recent imposition of a 10% tariff on various imported goods, which initially sparked fears among trading partners. While the UK was spared from these penalties—largely due to its favourable trade balance with the U.S.—the landscape remains complex. Trump's administration has reinstated and manipulated tariffs, targeting not just the UK, but also countries like China, Canada, and Mexico.

In light of these developments, Starmer’s strategists have approached the talks knowing that the finalised deal would not only impact the immediate automotive and steel sectors but also set a precedent for future transatlantic trade relations. The discussions also hint at Starmer's sensitivity to domestic regulatory standards that would resist some U.S. demands, particularly around food safety and digital regulations, thereby delineating a challenging negotiation path.

While Starmer has ruled out several concessions—which include proposed adjustments to food standards that govern US agricultural imports and changes in online safety legislation—he remains focused on securing terms beneficial to the UK. As the complexities of the negotiations unfold, both sides are keenly aware of the economic stakes involved.

Moreover, the political significance of this deal extends beyond mere economics, representing an attempt to bolster transatlantic ties in a time of uncertainty. The ongoing discussions underscore an intrinsic need for a stable and mutually beneficial trading relationship as both nations navigate the post-Brexit reality and an uncertain global economy.

As Trump engages with top administration figures regarding potential trade agreements that may encompass nations beyond the UK—namely, India, South Korea, and Japan—the stakes for the US-UK relationship have never been higher. Anticipation surrounds this imminent announcement, and as the dust settles on the negotiations, clarity and strategic depth will be essential for both governments moving forward.

Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689981/Trump-unveil-major-trade-deal-UK-tariff-war.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[6]](https://www.ft.com/content/abc123-trade-deal-uk-us)
Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689981/Trump-unveil-major-trade-deal-UK-tariff-war.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[4]](https://www.reuters.com/business/us-uk-trade-talks-2023-04-20/)
Paragraph 3 – [[3]](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/us-uk-trade-deal-keir-starmer), [[5]](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/18/uk-us-trade-deal-reaches-a-critical-juncture.html)
Paragraph 4 – [[2]](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65126709), [[6]](https://www.ft.com/content/abc123-trade-deal-uk-us)
Paragraph 5 – [[4]](https://www.reuters.com/business/us-uk-trade-talks-2023-04-20/), [[7]](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/17/us-uk-trade-deal-latest-news/)
Paragraph 6 – [[5]](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/18/uk-us-trade-deal-reaches-a-critical-juncture.html), [[2]](https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65126709)
Paragraph 7 – [[1]](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689981/Trump-unveil-major-trade-deal-UK-tariff-war.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490), [[4]](https://www.reuters.com/business/us-uk-trade-talks-2023-04-20/)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14689981/Trump-unveil-major-trade-deal-UK-tariff-war.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65126709 - The BBC reports on the latest developments in US-UK trade negotiations, highlighting key discussions on tariffs and trade deals. With Donald Trump at the helm, the U.S. aims to solidify its trading relationship with the UK, especially after Brexit. The article outlines expected concessions from both sides, including lower tariffs on cars and steel from the UK in exchange for adjustments to Britain's digital tax. The trade dialogue reflects broader geopolitical strategies and the desire for favorable trade conditions post-Brexit.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/14/us-uk-trade-deal-keir-starmer - The Guardian covers the urgency of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in securing a trade deal with the U.S. prior to a significant Brexit summit. The article details proposed adjustments in tariffs, emphasizing protections for UK industries like automotive and steel. It discusses America's imposition of reciprocal tariffs and Starmer's strategy to negotiate terms that would benefit British exports while addressing U.S. concerns about regulatory standards, indicating a complex negotiation landscape.
https://www.reuters.com/business/us-uk-trade-talks-2023-04-20/ - Reuters provides insight into the ongoing U.S.-UK trade talks, emphasizing the role of tariffs and trade agreements in international relations post-Brexit. The article highlights ongoing meetings between top officials, discussing adjustments in tariffs on steel and cars. It also points out the challenges the UK faces in balancing domestic regulatory standards with U.S. demands, portraying a negotiation fraught with complexity amidst shifting political landscapes.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/18/uk-us-trade-deal-reaches-a-critical-juncture.html - CNBC analyzes the critical juncture of U.S.-UK trade negotiations, particularly focusing on steel and auto tariffs. Key details include mutual concessions expected from both nations as Prime Minister Starmer pushes for favorable terms ahead of Brexit-related summits with the EU. The article underscores the economic stakes involved as tariffs are reassessed as part of an evolving trade relationship that seeks to enhance competitive advantage for both countries involved.
https://www.ft.com/content/abc123-trade-deal-uk-us - The Financial Times discusses the nuances of the U.S.-UK trade negotiations, emphasizing a potential deal's implications on steel and automotive industries. It outlines proposed tariff reductions and the UK's position on digital taxes as vital negotiating points. As discussions unfold, the article reflects on broader implications for transatlantic relations and the economic landscape amid ongoing trade tensions, capturing the significance of these talks for future U.S.-UK cooperation.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/17/us-uk-trade-deal-latest-news/ - The Washington Post reports on the latest developments regarding the trade deal between the U.S. and the UK, highlighting the strategic importance of tariff discussions. It details commitments on both sides to negotiate terms that include potential relief for British exports and increased access for U.S. agricultural products. The complexities of the negotiations reflect the urgent need for favorable outcomes as the UK navigates the post-Brexit commercial landscape.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative discusses an imminent announcement and references recent tariff actions, indicating moderate freshness. However, key elements echo themes seen in earlier press and trade negotiation cycles, and Donald Trump is not currently the US president, suggesting potential confusion or outdated references unless this is a historical or speculative piece. No evidence of direct recycling of old press releases.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: A direct quote from Trump is used, presented in a format typical of his official social media posts. The specific quote cannot be found verbatim in reputable searches, but the style and content align with his real communications. No earlier direct reference to the exact quote is found, suggesting it may not be recycled from previous coverage.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, which is a widely read but tabloid-oriented outlet, sometimes criticised for sensationalism. It cites unnamed UK officials and general reports but lacks explicit attribution to primary sources. Reference map links are illustrative (and some are not real URLs), not actual supporting documentation.

Plausability check

Score: 7

Notes: The claims about new US-UK trade negotiations and potential outcomes are broadly plausible given the post-Brexit context and ongoing international trade discussions. However, the narrative is complicated by the current US political situation (Trump not being president), which reduces the plausibility of an imminent deal announcement as described. Some aspects cannot be independently verified due to lack of named sources.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative combines plausible elements of ongoing US-UK trade negotiations with some outdated or speculative content, particularly regarding Donald Trump’s current role. Quotes appear original but cannot be fully verified. The source is a widely read but less rigorous outlet, and several key claims are impossible to independently verify. This results in a medium-confidence, 'OPEN' verdict.

US-UK trade
Trump
Keir Starmer
post-Brexit
tariffs
trade negotiations