The U.S. government has formally approved critical elements of a longstanding tariff agreement with the United Kingdom, a move aimed at strengthening transatlantic trade in the post-Brexit era.
Although much of the agreement was negotiated under former President Donald Trump’s administration, President Joe Biden signed the executive order this week confirming the continuation and implementation of select provisions. The deal, which eases tariffs on key goods such as steel, aluminum, and whiskey, is expected to boost trade flows between the two countries.
“The United Kingdom remains one of America’s closest allies and strongest economic partners,” President Biden said in a statement. “This agreement reaffirms our commitment to a fair, rules-based trading system and deepens our bilateral relationship.”
The deal had been in partial effect since early 2022, when the two nations agreed to suspend retaliatory tariffs imposed during a trade dispute dating back to Trump’s tenure. With the new order, several provisions—including tariff-rate quotas on British steel and mutual commitments to reduce carbon-intensive manufacturing—are now formally enshrined in U.S. trade policy.
British officials welcomed the confirmation. UK Trade Secretary Harriet Cross called it “a clear sign that our special relationship continues to deliver concrete benefits for workers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The move is seen by analysts as a significant, if incremental, step toward a broader free trade agreement between the UK and U.S.—a goal long sought by British leaders in the wake of the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Industry groups from both countries expressed optimism. “This gives U.S. importers and UK exporters a much-needed sense of stability,” said Mark Ellison, spokesperson for the American Metal Trade Association. “We hope it lays the groundwork for further cooperation.”
While some lawmakers continue to call for a more comprehensive trade pact, the administration has signaled that it will pursue sector-specific agreements rather than sweeping trade liberalization in the short term.
For now, the order underscores Washington’s intent to maintain strong economic ties with London—while navigating a shifting global trade landscape.