In a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Friday afternoon, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and emphasized the importance of protecting national interests. The call was announced by the British Prime Minister’s Office (Downing Street).
The two leaders began their conversation by discussing the ongoing trade negotiations between the UK and the US. Both sides expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached. They also discussed important international issues, including the situations in Ukraine and Iran, and the recent military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. The meeting followed the US administration’s decision earlier this month to impose wide-ranging tariffs on a number of countries. While Trump has granted a 90-day reprieve on some tariffs and maintained a basic 10 percent tariff on goods imported into the US, the British automotive sector and steel and aluminum exports still face the threat of an additional 25 percent tariff if sold to the US. US Vice President JD Vance said in an interview on Monday that there was a “good chance” of a trade deal with the UK, adding that Washington was in close contact with London.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202504/19/WS6802cccda3104d9fd3820536.html
