Fri, 28 Feb 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 UK-US trade deal could mean tariffs 'not necessary', says Trump

The US president says a trade deal could happen very quickly and avoid taxes on UK imports.

* President Trump says a trade deal between the US and UK can happen "very quickly".
* The US president suggests that the UK may avoid tariffs threatened against some of its other trading partners.
* Sir Keir Starmer presents Trump with a letter from King Charles inviting him to an "unprecedented" second state visit to the UK, which Trump accepts.
* Trump and Sir Keir take questions from reporters for 30 minutes, during which Trump sets out his stance on various subjects, including Ukraine and trade.
* The US president offers a "backstop" of security guarantees to Ukraine as part of a minerals agreement he plans to sign with the country.
* Trump appears to back the UK's approach on the Chagos Islands, saying he is "inclined to go along with it".
* Sir Keir says that an economic deal between the US and UK could be agreed quickly, centered around artificial intelligence.
* The two leaders discuss the possibility of a trade deal, with Trump suggesting that tariffs may not be necessary.
* Business groups welcome the improved relationship between the two countries, saying it is an "important first step" towards a potential trade deal.
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