A Trade Deal with the UK Likely Soon – US Vice President JD Vance
Washington, April 15, 2025 — US Vice President JD Vance has said that there is a "good chance" of signing a trade agreement with the United Kingdom, amid significant changes in US trade policy around the world.
In an interview with the UnHerd website on Monday, Vance stated, “We are working very earnestly with Keir Starmer’s government. Our relationship with the UK is highly reciprocal, so reaching a deal will be easier compared to other European countries.”
10% Tariff on UK Goods, Yet Optimism for a Deal
On April 2, during his “Liberation Day” announcement, President Donald Trump imposed a 10% baseline tariff on imports from nearly all partner countries, including the UK and France. This move triggered major instability in global markets, wiping out trillions of dollars in value from US stock markets.
However, the Trump administration later introduced some exemptions, and recently, market stability has begun to return.
Sources within the UK government say discussions on a new trade deal with the US are progressing positively. This deal will not be limited to tariff reductions but will also focus on mutual cooperation in goods and services.
Tariff Exemptions on Semiconductors and Pharmaceuticals May End
Meanwhile, the US has already launched a national security-based investigation into semiconductor and pharmaceutical products, which could lead to the end of tariff exemptions in these sectors.
Vance stated, “It’s natural for markets to react with instability when a new tariff system is introduced. But President Trump views this as part of a long-term strategy.” He added, “We want to reduce the trade deficit — across the board.”
Vance on Europe and Ukraine
In the interview, Vance expressed a generally positive attitude toward Europe, despite controversial remarks about the continent that were leaked from a recent private conversation.
“I love the people of Europe. You can’t separate American culture from European culture,” Vance said.
He further added, “If Europe continues to rely solely on the United States for security, it will be harmful to both Europe and America.”
Regarding the Ukraine war and allegations of being close to Russia, Vance said, “To end a war, you need to understand both sides’ strategic red lines. That doesn’t mean you support Russia’s aggression — it means trying to understand what each side wants.”
