President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, hailing the deal as a “major win” for both countries and a breakthrough in years-long negotiations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the announcement by phone, expressing similar optimism and calling the accord “historic.”
Though details remain under negotiation, the agreement is expected to significantly expand American agricultural exports to the U.K., including beef, ethanol, and other farming products. Trump also noted that the deal will reduce nontariff barriers and streamline customs procedures for American goods entering the British market.
“This is a very conclusive deal,” Trump declared during remarks in the Oval Office. “It’s so good for both countries. The final details are being written up in the coming weeks.”
Trump was joined in the room by Vice President J.D. Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Starmer, participating via phone, echoed Trump’s enthusiasm, saying, “We managed to achieve what many people tried to achieve for many years … and it feels completely historic.”
The U.K. is currently the United States’ 11th-largest trading partner by volume but is among the top buyers of U.S. goods and services. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. recorded an $11.9 billion goods surplus with the U.K., ranking it as the fifth highest among American trade surpluses.
While Thursday’s announcement is being promoted as a breakthrough, it is largely the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes talks that predate Trump’s second term. It follows Starmer’s visit to Washington in February, where both leaders signaled progress toward a bilateral agreement.
Notably, the announcement comes just weeks after Trump imposed a 10% “reciprocal” tariff on U.K. goods, part of a broader tariff strategy he unveiled on what he dubbed “Liberation Day.” While tariffs on other countries reached as high as 25%, the White House paused further hikes after market backlash, keeping the 10% base tariff on most partners in place — including the U.K.
“This will be really great for the U.K. also. Their country is a little closed, and we appreciate that they’re opening it up,” Trump said, implying that the deal includes British concessions in traditionally protected sectors.
Some observers, however, have questioned the timing and framing of the announcement. Asked by a reporter whether he was overstating the deal’s importance to shore up political support, Trump bristled.
“This is a maxed-out deal,” he said. “Not like you said it. You said it really incorrectly.”
The White House is positioning the U.K. trade agreement as a signal of momentum, even as broader uncertainty hangs over U.S. trade policy. Talks are reportedly underway with several key partners, including China and India. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were in Switzerland Thursday for the first face-to-face meeting with Chinese officials since sweeping tariffs were imposed earlier this year. Meanwhile, discussions with India appear to be nearing a breakthrough, according to administration officials.
“This is just the beginning,” Trump said. “Every country wants to be making deals.”
Earlier this week, Trump had played down the urgency of signing agreements, saying, “We don’t have to sign deals. I could have 25 signed if I wanted.” Thursday’s announcement, however, marked the first major trade pact unveiled during his current term and is likely to be used as a centerpiece of his economic messaging heading into the next round of budget negotiations and the 2026 midterms.
For Starmer, the agreement marks a diplomatic achievement amid his efforts to strengthen U.K. trade ties following the country’s broader global repositioning after Brexit. The U.K. also struck a deal with India this week aimed at lowering tariffs and boosting services trade.
With both leaders touting the pact as a shared political victory, the coming weeks will show whether the fine print lives up to the fanfare.
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