Starmer and Trump focus on ‘productive’ commerce talks, No 10 says | EUROtoday

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump mentioned “ongoing and productive” commerce talks, No 10 has mentioned, of their first name because the US president imposed tariffs on UK items.

The prime minister burdened his dedication to “free and open trade and the importance of protecting the national interest”, a Downing Street spokesperson mentioned.

They added that the 2 leaders additionally mentioned “the situation in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen”.

Sir Keir is hoping to safe a take care of the US after Trump unveiled 10% tariffs on UK items and a better 25% price on imports of vehicles, metal and aluminium.

“The leaders began by discussing the ongoing and productive discussions between the UK and US on trade,” No 10 mentioned in an announcement.

A readout of the decision from the White House mentioned the 2 leaders mentioned bilateral commerce, ongoing talks to deliver the battle in Ukraine to a peaceable decision, and regional safety within the Middle East.

It added that Trump was trying ahead to his upcoming state go to with His Majesty King Charles III within the UK later this yr.

US Vice-President JD Vance mentioned on Tuesday there was a “good chance” a commerce deal may very well be reached with the UK.

Trump introduced a barrage of tariffs earlier this month and shares on inventory markets world wide have since tumbled.

The S&P 500 index of the biggest companies listed within the US, the UK FTSE 100, German Dax, and French Cac 40 have recovered some worth as Trump has delayed some tariffs and made exceptions, however are decrease than earlier than 2 April.

The present tariff coverage now places a ten% “baseline” tariff on all imports from the UK, France and different long-standing commerce companions. China faces a lot harsher tariffs.

A tariff is a tax on companies shopping for a very good from abroad, however companies usually cross the prices from the tariff onto the patron or abroad the vendor.

The World Trade Organization mentioned on Wednesday that international commerce will shrink because of the tariffs whereas the International Monetary Fund downgraded its predictions for development due to them.

The UK has been attempting to keep away from the tariffs by agreeing some type of financial take care of the US, whereas the EU and Canada has responded with counter tariffs.