US President Donald Trump has teased what he called a “major trade deal”, which would mark the first such agreement to be announced since he imposed tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners.
It is believed to be with Britain. This is, as yet, unconfirned but is highly lihely.
He will hold a news conference at later today in Washington DC to announce an agreement with “representatives of a big, and highly respected, country”, Trump said on the Truth Social platform, giving no more details.
Several US media outlets have reported that the US will strike a trade agreement with the UK, citing people familiar with the plans.
The BBC has contacted the White House and the UK’s Department for Business & Trade for comment on the reports.
On 2 April, Trump announced steep tariffs on dozens of trading partners, before announcing a 90-day pause on the levies.
Governments from around the world have been scrambling to strike deals with Washington before the new deadline passes.
He left a 10% global tariff in place, which included the UK, though the long-time ally of America was not subject to the administration’s higher “reciprocal” tariffs.
The UK is also subject to a 25% US import tax on steel, aluminium and cars.
Washington is close to agreeing trade deals with India and Israel, according to reports.
The administration is also continuing talks with several other countries including Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.
Trump has said he wants nations to strike new deals with the US as he tries to radically reshape the global trading system.
UPDATE
DONALD Trump has today revealed a “full and comprehensive” trade deal with Britain — and hailed an “exciting day” for the two countries.
The US President used a press conference in the Oval Office to announce the “first” agreement with the UK after his global tariff blitz.
On a televised live phone call with Sir Keir Starmer, he hailed it as ” a great deal for both countries”.
The agreement will slash tariffs on Britain’s car exports to America from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent.
And steel tariffs will be reduced from 25 per cent to zero in a boost for the export market.
But the baseline 10 per cent tariffs on all other goods imposed by Mr Trump on last month’s “Liberation Day” still remain.
