Today at 01:03
According to The New York Times, US President Donald Trump plans to announce on Thursday that the United States will sign a trade deal with the United Kingdom.
Citing sources, NYT says Trump hinted at the new trade deal in a Truth Social post on Wednesday evening, though he did not specify the country.
“Tomorrow morning at 10:00 in the Oval Office, there will be a big press conference about a major trade deal with representatives of a great and very respected country. The first of many!” Trump wrote.
This would be the first deal announced since Trump imposed strict tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners, later pausing them to allow for new agreements.
NYT notes that a US-UK deal could be a significant win for both countries, which have long sought closer economic cooperation.
The details remain unclear. Both sides have discussed lowering UK tariffs on American cars and agricultural products and scrapping UK taxes on US tech firms.
It’s also unclear if the deal is actually finalized, NYT adds.
Trump has maintained a 10% global tariff, including for the UK, though Britain wasn’t subject to higher “reciprocal” tariffs because it buys more from the US than it sells. Officials say dropping the 10% tariff isn’t part of the deal.
Britain is also subject to Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and cars—duties that UK officials want lifted.
NYT recalls that Trump’s interest in a trade deal with the UK dates back to his first term, though talks then failed to reach a final agreement.
For UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, such a deal would justify his outreach to Trump. During his Oval Office visit in February, Starmer invited Trump, on behalf of King Charles III, for a rare second state visit to Britain.
The report also suggests Trump’s administration appears close to deals with India and Israel, while talks continue with South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and others.
However, Trump believes other countries need such deals more than the US.
Experts suggest Trump may aim to announce smaller, limited deals rather than traditional broad agreements that require Congressional approval.
In his first term, Trump already signed similar “mini-deals” with other nations.
