Fri, 18 Apr 2025

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 Starmer and Trump discuss 'productive' trade talks

The men held their first call since the US president imposed tariffs on UK goods earlier this month.
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had a call with US President Donald Trump, discussing "ongoing and productive" trade talks. The UK Prime Minister's office stated that Trump imposed tariffs on UK goods, but the two leaders discussed protecting national interests and promoting free trade. They also talked about Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen, where the US recently took action against the Houthis. Sir Keir is trying to secure a trade deal with the US after Trump imposed 10% tariffs on UK goods and higher rates for car imports. The White House stated that Trump discussed bilateral trade and ongoing talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine peacefully. They also talked about regional security in the Middle East. US Vice-President JD Vance said there's a "good chance" of reaching a trade deal with the UK, while Trump announced tariffs earlier this month which led to falling stock markets. A 10% tariff is now placed on all imports from the UK and other countries, with China facing harsher rates. The World Trade Organization stated that global trade will decrease due to these tariffs. The UK is trying to avoid the tariffs by reaching an economic deal with the US, while the EU and Canada have imposed counter-tariffs.
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