British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will push U.S. President Donald Trump to fast-track a trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs on British steel, according to a report by the Financial Times.
Starmer is scheduled to meet Trump on Monday, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening U.K.-U.S. economic ties and removing trade barriers that have impacted key British exports. Alongside steel, Starmer is also expected to lobby for lower tariffs on Scotch whisky, a major U.K. export heavily affected by U.S. trade measures.
The move underscores Starmer’s efforts to secure improved post-Brexit trade terms with Washington as Britain seeks to boost its manufacturing and export sectors amid global economic uncertainty. Lowering tariffs on steel would provide relief to U.K. producers facing rising costs and international competition, while reducing duties on Scotch whisky could benefit Scotland’s multi-billion-dollar spirits industry.
Although neither Downing Street nor the White House has publicly confirmed the specifics of the planned talks, British officials cited by the Financial Times said the prime minister intends to emphasize the importance of finalizing the deal swiftly to support economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
The meeting comes as the U.S. and U.K. continue negotiating broader trade agreements aimed at strengthening their post-Brexit partnership. A successful resolution on steel and whisky tariffs could mark a significant step forward in trade relations between the two allies.
Reuters reported that it could not immediately confirm the Financial Times story. However, the outcome of Monday’s talks could signal a turning point for British exporters seeking improved access to the U.S. market.