Archive · 8 Jun 2025
UK-US Trade Deal Faces Hurdles, Ex-Trade Adviser Doubts Timeline
The UK and US are working on a trade deal.
A former trade negotiator thinks it might be hard to finish the deal quickly.
The US might increase tariffs on British steel if they don't agree soon.
One issue is who owns British Steel, and another is where the steel is made.
Tata Steel UK imports steel, and it needs a special exception.
If the UK cannot resolve these issues in time, they might face higher tariffs.
The UK aims to finalize a trade deal with the US.
A former trade negotiator doubts the quick timeline for the deal.
The US could double tariffs on British steel if issues aren't resolved in five weeks.
Disagreements include ownership of British Steel and sourcing of steel.
Tata Steel UK needs to import steel until late 2027, causing a hurdle.
- Who
- Keir Starmer, Donald Trump, and Crawford Falconer
- What
- Disagreements over trade terms, including steel tariffs, ownership of British Steel, and steel sourcing.
- When
- Discussions taking place in May and the subsequent weeks of 2025.
- Where
- UK and US
- Why
- To establish a trade agreement between the UK and the US.
UK Steel Industry
US Trade Policy
Tariffs on Steel
UK Steel Industry
UK steel producers hope to benefit from the deal by removing tariffs.
US Trade Policy
US may impose tariffs on UK steel due to unresolved issues.
- Deal Name
- Economic Prosperity Deal
- Starmer's Timeline
- Two weeks
- White House Deadline
- Five weeks
- Potential US Tariff Rate
- 50%
- British Steel Ownership
- China’s Jingye Group
- Steel Manufacturer
- Tata Steel UK