Minister for Trade (Sir ): The UK and US have met to
continue talks on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) in
London, Washington DC and virtually during August and September
2025.
The UK has continued to engage across the range of issues
outlined in the General Terms for the UK-US Economic Prosperity
Deal agreed in May. This has included discussions on digital and
technology, tariff and non-tariff barriers, as well as on the US
tariffs levied on products subject to Section 232 investigations.
During the State Visit of the President of the United States, the
UK and US announced the Technology Prosperity Deal that builds on
the EPD. The first ever UK-US tech agreement is focused on
developing the fastest growing technologies like AI, quantum, and
nuclear. The deal will bring new healthcare breakthroughs, clean
homegrown energy, and more investment into local communities and
businesses in Britain and the United States.
Last month, the United States confirmed that the UK will not face
an increase in steel and aluminium tariffs to 50% and will remain
the only country in the world to benefit from a preferential 25%
rate on steel, aluminium and derivative exports to the US, thanks
to the EPD. This provides the certainty that UK industry has long
been calling for. We continue to work closely with our US
counterparts to reduce tariffs further and secure the best
possible outcomes for UK manufacturers.
Also as a result of the EPD, the UK has received preferential
treatment for lumber products, with the lowest tariff rate of any
country in the world at 10%. Other countries face tariffs of up
to 50%.
Intensive discussions are continuing on other sectors under
Section 232 investigation, including pharmaceuticals and
semiconductors, towards the significantly preferential outcome
provided for under the General Terms.
The US is the UK's largest single country trading partner with a
trading relationship worth some £315 billion last year. UK firms
employ some 1.2 million US workers whilst 1.4 million people work
here in the UK for American companies. We have £1.2 trillion
invested in each other's economies. The EPD will continue to
deliver on saving thousands of jobs, protecting key British
industries, and helping to drive economic growth.