Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump is expected to unveil the framework of a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom, marking what could become his administration’s first major deal since implementing sweeping tariffs last month. However, sources familiar with the negotiations caution that the announcement may be more symbolic than substantive.
In a post on Truth Social Wednesday night, Trump hinted at a “major trade deal with representatives of a big, and highly respected, country,” scheduled for announcement Thursday morning at the White House. While he did not name the UK directly, two people close to the matter confirmed that London is the country in question.
“Big news conference tomorrow morning at 10:00am, the Oval Office,” Trump posted, “concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL.”
But as with many of Trump’s bold pronouncements, key details remain unclear. The White House and British embassy in Washington declined to comment on whether the deal is finalized or still under negotiation. Multiple sources suggested the announcement may reflect only a broad framework outlining topics for future talks, rather than a binding trade agreement.
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Under U.S. law, the president cannot unilaterally enter into trade agreements without congressional approval. That caveat raises questions about how far along the deal truly is.
Negotiators from both nations have been working for weeks to accelerate a deal, with discussions reportedly focusing on reducing UK tariffs on American automobiles and agricultural goods. In return, British officials are seeking relief on tariffs for steel, aluminum, and automobile exports to the U.S., as well as a reduction in digital services taxes paid by major U.S. tech companies operating in Britain.
A British trade delegation arrived in Washington on Wednesday, just as talks appeared to gather momentum. Officials on both sides are reportedly aiming to reach a preliminary agreement before a scheduled UK-EU summit on May 19. However, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made clear that Britain will not lower its food production standards, a key U.S. ask, in order to fast-track the deal.
“The framework, if anything, would represent a roadmap for negotiations, not a final deal,” said Timothy Brightbill, a trade attorney at Wiley Rein. “It’s likely an agreement to start negotiating on a range of targeted issues in the coming months.”
Trump’s renewed focus on international trade comes after a turbulent economic month. On April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day” by the administration, the U.S. imposed wide-ranging tariffs on most trading partners, leading to a dip in both stock and bond markets. The UK was spared the harshest of those penalties, as the U.S. currently runs a trade surplus with the country. Still, Britain is not immune to the global 10% tariff and the 25% duty on foreign steel and aluminum.
Earlier attempts at a broader trade pact were slowed when Trump proposed tariffs on foreign film imports, a move that met backlash from both the entertainment industry and trade allies. While that plan was later scaled back, it served as a reminder of how volatile U.S. trade policy can be under the current administration.
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As of now, Thursday’s announcement may signal the start of more formalized talks rather than the conclusion of a comprehensive trade deal. But with campaign season heating up and Trump eager to showcase policy wins, even a handshake agreement could serve as valuable political optics.
Whether it leads to meaningful change or remains another headline without substance will depend on what happens after the cameras leave the Oval Office.
