President Donald Trump recently announced a new trade deal with the United Kingdom, calling it a breakthrough in global trade.
Both the US and UK say negotiations on the agreement will continue in the coming weeks.
The deal keeps Trump’s 10% import tax on most UK goods, introduced last month.
The White House agreed to reduce some tariffs on cars and steel in exchange for better access for American beef, ethanol, and agricultural products.
Experts, however, call the agreement modest and say it brings only small changes to the current trade status.
Stan Veuger of the American Enterprise Institute said the deal mostly maintains the status quo with minimal updates.
The Trump administration promoted the deal as historic, but many experts believe its economic impact on the US will be limited.
UK steelmakers and car manufacturers welcomed the partial tariff rollback, saying it could help protect jobs.
Despite progress, UK goods still face higher tariffs than they did just weeks ago.
In the US, analysts say the gains are narrow, even after nearly a decade of trade discussions.
American automakers criticized the deal, warning it favors UK luxury brands over cars made in Mexico and Canada.
Farm groups showed mixed reactions. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the deal, while others called it only a starting point.
Lewis Lukens, a former US ambassador to the UK, said the agreement gives Trump a political win but offers little economic benefit.
Republican lawmakers praised the deal, calling it a step toward removing trade barriers and supporting US supply chains.
Economists suggest the administration is under pressure to finalize deals as tariff risks grow.
The UK sent about $60 billion in goods to the US last year, far less than China’s $400 billion.
Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods, now at least 145%, have sharply reduced trade between the two nations.
This drop has raised fears of price increases and potential product shortages in US markets.
The US and China plan to hold talks soon, but the chances of a breakthrough remain uncertain.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
