The Secretary of State warmly congratulated Katherine Tai on her
appointment as US Trade Representative.
They both acknowledged that our special relationship built on a
shared belief in freedom and democracy is matched by a deep
trading relationship.
They noted the important role that free and fair trade must play
in supporting businesses and workers in the economic recovery
from Covid-19, and recognised the US and UK’s shared priority to
shape the global trade agenda in 2021, including on issues such
as WTO reform, tackling climate change and the future of digital
trade and data.
Both welcomed the work to de-escalate the Airbus-Boeing dispute,
which paves the way for an even stronger trading
relationship. They committed to building on this progress to find
a fair and permanent settlement.
They discussed how unfair practices should not be allowed to
undermine free trade, and resolved that the UK and US will
collaborate to address our shared concerns, including on serious
issues such as forced labour, at the G7 and WTO. They agreed to
work constructively to address unfair trade practices of
non-market economies, such as China.
They both reflected on the progress made in UK-US Free Trade
Agreement negotiations and the importance of continuing to work
together to build a closer economic relationship, and agreed to
have further discussions.
The Secretary of State invited Ambassador Tai to participate in
the first G7 Trade Ministerial meeting.
