Payam Javan: President Donald Trump announced a “full and comprehensive” trade deal with the United Kingdom on Thursday, describing it as a historic agreement that will solidify US-UK relations for years to come. The announcement, made via Truth Social, marks the first bilateral trade deal since Trump imposed tariffs on trading partners, with a formal reveal scheduled for 10 a.m. at the White House. While details remain undisclosed, Trump emphasized the deep historical ties between the two nations, noting the UK’s significance as the first country to secure such a deal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed ongoing trade talks and promised an update later in the day, highlighting the deal’s focus on advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to drive 21st-century innovation.

The agreement follows intense negotiations sparked by Trump’s recent tariffs, including a paused 10 percent tariff on British imports and higher duties on autos, steel, and aluminum. Starmer, addressing concerns about the deal’s impact on British farmers, stressed a commitment to a “fair and balanced” trade relationship, with food standards as a non-negotiable priority. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the US is nearing deals with other major trading partners, aiming to reduce tariffs and address non-tariff barriers. In London, Starmer’s team underscored the US as an vital ally for economic and national security, while British lawmakers raised concerns about agricultural standards, seeking assurances that the deal protects UK farmers.