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May 9, 2025
US-UK Trade Agreement Sets Precedent for Future Deals, US Airports to Be Upgraded, Melania Trump Honors Military Mothers & Barbara Bush's USPS Stamp Unveiling
Context and Objectives:President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer committed to deliver shared prosperity for American and British citizens alike. Our governments have a unique opportunity to enhance our economic partnership through the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD).A first of its kind, the United States and the United Kingdom expect the EPD to address three core objectives, based on fairness and reciprocity:
To grow the quality and volume of mutually beneficial trade between the United States and the United Kingdom, creating good, high-paying jobs and growth in both countries;
To remove barriers to make it easier for American and British businesses to operate, invest and trade in both countries; and
To ensure that the Special Relationship is rooted in an enduring economic partnership that is fair, reciprocal, future-facing, and built on a shared vision of the challenges that face our economies.
This document serves to define the general terms for the EPD that set forth the shared desires of the United States and the United Kingdom to make bilateral trade fairer, easier, and more substantial. Alongside this document covering our trading relationship, we are continuing discussions toward a transformative technology partnership between our countries.The United States and United Kingdom are immediately beginning negotiations of the EPD to develop and formalize the proposals made in this document. Once the initial proposals have been formalized and implemented, the United States and United Kingdom understand that the EPD can further be expanded over time to cover additional areas. Each country intends to continue to improve market access under the EPD. Both the United States and the United Kingdom recognize that this document does not constitute a legally binding agreement.
Addressing Tariffs
(a) Following a reasonable period of negotiation:
(i) the United Kingdom intends to reduce its applied tariff rates on a preferential basis on a range of originating goods of the United States in sectors of importance to the United States; and
(ii) the United States intends to reduce its applied tariff rates on a preferential basis on a range of originating goods of the United Kingdom in sectors of importance to the United Kingdom. The countries intend to coordinate the timing of their respective tariff reductions to be as soon as practicable, taking into consideration their respective domestic processes. On request of the United Kingdom, the United States will consider reducing its applied tariff rates for a UK territory or territories for whose international relations the United Kingdom is responsible on a preferential basis.
(b) U.S. beef exports to the United Kingdom are currently subject to a 20 percent tariff within a quota of 1,000 metric tons (mt). The United Kingdom will remove the 20 percent tariff. Additionally, the United Kingdom will create a preferential duty-free quota of 13,000 mt for U.S. beef. In return, the United States will reallocate to the United Kingdom 13,000 mt of its existing Other Countries tariff rate quota (TRQ) for beef. Additionally, the United Kingdom will offer a preferential duty-free TRQ of 1.4 billion liters for U.S. ethanol.
(c) The United States intends to provide certain key UK imports with modified reciprocal tariff treatment, based on our balanced trading relationship and shared national security priorities. Any such modifications will be consistent with those shared national security priorities, including priorities identified in future U.S. Section 232 investigations.
(i) The United States will create a quota of 100,000 vehicles for UK automotive imports at a 10 percent tariff rate, and an accompanying arrangement for attendant auto parts for such autos.
(ii) The United Kingdom will work to promptly meet U.S. requirements on the security of the supply chains of steel and aluminum products intended for export to the United States and on the nature of ownership of relevant production facilities. Understanding the United Kingdom will meet these requirements, the United States will promptly construct a quota at most favored nation (MFN) rates for UK steel and aluminum and certain derivative steel and aluminum products.
(iii) Contingent on the findings of the U.S. Section 232 investigation on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, and consistent with the United Kingdoms compliance with the supply chains security requirements described in subparagraph (ii), the United States and the United Kingdom intend to promptly negotiate significantly preferential treatment outcomes on pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients. The United Kingdom confirms that it will endeavor to improve the overall environment for pharmaceutical companies operating in the United Kingdom.
(iv) In addition to products already addressed in this document, the United States and the United Kingdom intend to adopt a structured, negotiated approach to othersectors that may be subject to Section 232 investigations or other tariff measures with a view to a significantly preferential outcome. Any such approach is contingent on the United Kingdom ensuring the security of supply chains, using appropriate measures, of products intended for export to the United States and on the findings of related U.S. investigations of, or other tariff measures related to, such sectors.
(d) To ensure U.S. and UK firms can benefit from these changes in practice, both countries intend to apply rules of origin that maximize bilateral trade and prevent non-participants from using our bilateral arrangement to circumvent tariffs. The United States affirms that it intends to take into consideration during the negotiations of the EPD the United Kingdoms request that the United States continues to work to lower tariffs on UK goods imposed by U.S. executive authority as well as those subject to Congressional approval.
Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers
(a) The United Kingdom and the United States plan to work constructively in an effort to enhance agricultural market access. Further, both countries positively support future discussions to strengthen bilateral agricultural trade. The United Kingdom and the United States affirm that imported food and agricultural goods must comply with the importing countrys sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and other mutually agreed standards. The United Kingdom and the United States commit to working together to improve market access for agricultural products, to highlight concerns, and to increase agricultural cooperation on areas such as certain export verification programs to facilitate greater trade, and more formal bilateral engagement through international standard setting bodies.
(b) The United Kingdom and the United States each confirms its intent to accord to conformity assessment bodies of the other treatment no less favorable than that it accords to conformity assessment bodies located in its own territory. Treatment under this paragraph includes procedures, criteria, fees, and other conditions relating to accrediting, approving, licensing, or otherwise recognizing conformity assessment bodies.
(c) Both countries intend to build on an existing set of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) by negotiating additional agreements, as appropriate, across certain industrial goods and advance toward an agreement on services domestic regulation.
(d) The United Kingdom and United States intend to discuss the principles and criteria used in order to recognize a standard as an international standard. The United Kingdom and the United States will further commit to discuss respective applicable standards for mutually agreed sectors of interest and, within those specified sectors, to agree which of the others relevant domiciled standards development organizations (SDOs) currently meet recognized international principles.
Increasing Digital Trade
(a) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate an ambitious set of digital trade provisions that will include within its scope services, including financial services.
(b) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate provisions on paperless trade, pre-arrival processing, and digitalized procedures for the movement of goods between our countries.
Strengthening Alignment and Collaboration on Economic Security
(a) Both countries intend to strengthen cooperation on economic security, including by coordinating to address non-market policies of third countries.
(b) Both countries intend to cooperate on the effective use of investment security measures, export controls, and ICT vendor security, building on the current levels of close alignment on trade and investment security measures.
(c) In order to ensure more competitive, reciprocal, and secure access to our procurement markets, both countries reaffirm their procurement commitments under the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and their respective free trade agreements, and intend to discuss the implementation of our respective procurement commitments, including through the United Kingdoms new National Security Unit for Procurement and the United Kingdoms new powers under the Procurement Act 2023, which provides that non-treaty states are not guaranteed non-discriminatory treatment in procurement.
(d) Both countries confirm that they will negotiate as part of the EPD provisions on duty evasion customs cooperation to combat evasion schemes and the illegal transshipment of goods from countries subject to antidumping, countervailing duties, safeguards, etc., which undermine economic security.
Commercial Considerations and Opportunities
Both countries commit to continuing to identify mutually beneficial goods, services, investment opportunities and commercial transactions that serve to increase economic integration in critical industries and defense preparedness, leveraging government policies, licenses, and programs and private-sector participation to facilitate such transactions.
Other Matters
(a) Both countries confirm that they intend to discuss high-standard commitments related to intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, labor practices (including addressing forced labor in supply chains), and environmental policies and practices.
(b) The United Kingdom will consider the interests of those UK territories for whose international relations it is responsible.
(c) The United Kingdom and the United States recognize that the purpose of this arrangement is to deepen our trade relationship based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to fair and reciprocal trade. On request of either country, the United Kingdom and the United States will consult with a view to considering any changes that may need to be made to this arrangement to ensure that it remains mutually beneficial.
(d) The United States or the United Kingdom may terminate this arrangement by giving written notice to the other. The United Kingdom and the United States further plan to discuss procedures for review and termination as part of the negotiations of the EPD.
A Fact Sheet was issued further detailing the agreement:
ESTABLISHING A NEW PARADIGM FOR OUR SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP: Today, on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day for World War II, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a historic trade deal, providing American companies unprecedented access to the UK markets while bolstering U.S. national security. This is a great deal for America.
President Trump: The deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture, dramatically increasing access for American beef, ethanol, and virtually all of the products produced by our great farmers.
The UK will reduce or eliminate numerous non-tariff barriers that unfairly discriminated against American products.
This is now turning out to be, really, a great deal for both countries.
Prime Minister Starmer: This is going to boost trade between and across our countries. Its going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access.
This trade deal will significantly expand U.S. market access in the UK, creating a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers.
This includes more than $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products, like beef.
It commits the countries to work together to enhance industrial and agricultural market access.
It closes loopholes and increases U.S. firms competitiveness in the UKs procurement market.
It ensures streamlined customs procedures for U.S. exports.
It establishes high standard commitments in the areas of intellectual property, labor, and environment.
It maximizes the competitiveness and secures the supply chain of U.S. aerospace manufacturers through preferential access to high-quality UK aerospace components.
It creates a secure supply chain for pharmaceutical products.
The reciprocal tariff rate of 10%, as originally announced on Liberation Day, is in effect.
The United States will agree to an alternative arrangement for the Section 232 tariffs on UK autos.
Under the deal, the first 100,000 vehicles imported into the U.S. by UK car manufacturers each year are subject to the reciprocal rate of 10% and any additional vehicles each year are subject to 25% rates.
The United States also recognizes the economic security measures taken by the UK to combat global steel excess capacity and will negotiate an alternative arrangement to the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum.
This deal creates a new trading union for steel and aluminum.
This U.S.-UK trade deal will usher in a golden age of new opportunity for U.S. exporters and level the playing fields for American producers.
Todays action also sets the tone for other trading partners to promote reciprocal trade with the United States.
A FRAMEWORK TO BOLSTER ECONOMIC SECURITY: President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people, enhancing market access for American exporters and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers to protect our economic and national security.
On April 18, President Trump had a call with Prime Minister Starmer to discuss our bilateral trade relationship.
U.S. total goods trade with the UK was an estimated $148 billion in 2024.
The UK average applied agricultural tariff is 9.2% while the U.S. average applied agricultural tariff (prior to April 2) was 5%.
The UK maintains certain tariff and non-tariff barriers that restrict market access and create an unfair playing field for American workers and businesses.
For example, the UK imposes tariffs that can exceed 125% on meat, poultry, and dairy products on top of maintaining non-science-based standards that adversely affect U.S. exports.
On April 2, 2025, Liberation Day, President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all countries to address unfair trade practices that have contributed to Americas trade deficit and imbalances in order to better protect American workers and our national security.
A MILESTONE IN ADVANCING AN AMERICA FIRST TRADE POLICY: Since Day One, President Trump challenged the assumption that American workers and businesses must tolerate unfair trade practices that have disadvantaged our workers and businesses for decades and contributed to our historic trade deficit.
Reversing these conditions and addressing the lack of reciprocity in Americas trade relationships will bring about a new Golden Age and Make America Great Again.
President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people, enhancing market access for American exporters and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The Economic Prosperity Deal with the United Kingdom is a critical step forward in a special relationship to promote reciprocal trade with a key ally and partner.
In February, President Donald J. Trump promised a great trade agreement with the United Kingdom and today he delivered with a breakthrough trade deal that expands market access, curbs non-tariff barriers, and levels the playing field for American exporters.
Promises made, promises kept and hes just getting started.
Its the first such deal under President Trumps transformational plan to liberate Americans from globalist trade policies that make foreign countries rich while Americans get robbed. Its all part of President Trumps vision of economic prosperity: fair trade, historic tax cuts, deregulation, and a manufacturing revival that will cement Americas new Golden Age for decades to come.
This deal will set the standard for all subsequent deals with other countries.
Today, President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy unveiled a plan to completely overhaul the nations air traffic control system taking action where the Biden Administration refused, despite repeat warnings.
The announcement which builds on the Trump Administrations unprecedented actions to secure Americas skies and improve air travel was praised by the nations major airlines:
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby: This really is an historic day a day I have been looking forward to my entire career when I felt like we have turned the corner and are on the path to give the United States the best-in-class air traffic control system that the citizens of the United States deserve.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom: Ive been in the airline business a long time, and that entire time, Ive known that the U.S. air traffic control system was operating on antiquated technology. This plan from President Trump and Secretary Duffy is absolutely the best opportunity that weve had in decades to do something about our outdated air traffic control infrastructure and build a best-in-class system that our country deserves.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian: I want to especially thank Secretary Duffy and the Administration for gathering us all here today and taking such a strong approach to overhauling our air traffic control system in the U.S. This has been a long time coming.
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan: I cannot say enough thanks to Secretary Duffy, to the administration, to President Trump for the stellar leadership to bring everyone together on this problem. This challenge is decades old, but I am absolutely confident that we can get this done and that we are finally going to address the real problem.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty: We very much appreciate the leadership that you are bringing to this ATC modernization effort This has quite literally been our number one priority for decades. I am proud to stand here today with what appears to be a solution and path to move forward.
Key aspects of the Trump Administrations plan include:
Replacing outdated infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber, wireless, and satellite technologies at over 4,600 air traffic control sites including 25,000 new radios, 600+ new radars, and 475 new voice switches.
Building six new air traffic control coordination centers for the first time in six decades.
Replacing towers and TRACONs and implementing modern hardware and software at all air traffic facilities to create a common platform throughout the network.
First Lady, Melania Trump, attended theMilitary Mothers Celebrationwith President Trump May 5, 2025 during which she delivered the following remarks:
First Lady Melania Trump delivered heartfelt remarks today in honor of the upcoming Mothers Day holiday, paying special tribute to the courage and resilience of Americas military mothers. Speaking from the White House with her husband, President Donald Trump, by her side, First Lady Melania Trump reflected on the transformative nature of motherhood, the strength of women, and the enduring legacy mothers create through love, sacrifice, and care.Highlighting the parallel paths of military mothers and the American spirit, she praised their unmatched grace, resilience, and quiet determination. Mrs. Trump also called on women to prioritize their own well-being as an essential part of empowering future generations.
First Lady Melania Trumps Remarks at a Celebration of Military Mothers
Motherhood: The life-changing event that makes women invincible and exposed at the same time. Its remarkable, really, that my sons life creates unimaginable, unpredictable concerns and thrills for me, even until this day.
All caring mothers understand this rare feeling. Nothing against fathers, of course, but in my opinion, and I am sure everyone in this room agreesonly a mother can grasp this particular point.
Military Mothers and America, together, have developed an extraordinary, parallel journey. They are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss, and healing. Certainly, only military mothers have experienced this level of grace and resilience, of American life.
And finally, aginga sudden shift in family dynamics, an unexpected positioning change in life when caretakers become the caregivers. If this has happened within your family, you understand the precious nature of motherhood.
Here now, in the White House, at this pivotal moment, I urge you to prioritize your well-being. Nurture yourself, for your strength is the bedrock of a brighter future for our children. By caring for ourselves, we empower the next generation to thrive. Together, lets build a legacy of resilience and hope. Your journey matters. Embrace it!
And indeed, the sacred strength of women is a profound force. With unwavering love and nurturing wisdom, we have the ability to inspire, uplift, and shape the future hearts of our children. This power, rooted in compassion and resilience, is a beacon of hope that lights the way for generations to come.
Let us unite to honor the beauty of motherhood, champion the grace of our journey, and inspire those who follow.
A mothers love and wisdom empower our children to flourish, instilling in them the courage to reach their fullest potential.
Motherhood. Happy Mothers Day!
First Lady Melania Trump also honored previous First Lady Barbara Bush at the May 8, 2025 Stamp Unveiling Ceremony:
Today, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a special ceremony unveiling the United States Postal Service commemorative stamp honoring the life and legacy of First Lady Barbara Bush at the White House. Surrounded by members of the Bush family, friends, former Bush staff, and distinguished guests, Mrs. Trump delivered remarks highlighting Barbara Bushs enduring impact on the Nation and her steadfast devotion to family, literacy, and service.
Barbaras unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history, said First Lady Melania Trump. The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bushs contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our Nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence.
Mrs. Trump was joined by Doro Bush Koch, daughter of Barbara Bush; Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation; and Judy de Torok, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at the U.S. Postal Service, who all joined in emphasizing Mrs. Bushs legacy as a trailblazer whose commitment to literacy and family influenced the role of First Lady and left a lasting imprint on American society.The Office of First Lady Melania Trump extended its sincere appreciation to all participating organizations and individuals who made this tribute possible, including the White House Historical Association for contributing the official portrait of First Lady Barbara Bush for the commemorative stamp.
Full remarks of First Lady Melania Trump as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Doro, for the beautiful introduction and welcome back to the White House as we honor the life and legacy of your mother, First Lady Barbara Bush. Barbaras unwavering conviction, dignity, and deep loyalty to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history. Your mothers values can be seen in her family, friends, and former staff who also join us here today, and continue her legacy.
Many thanks to Alice Yates, CEO of the George & Barbara Bush Foundation, for joining us today. Along with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, you are helping current and future generations to navigate the world with confidence and dignity.
And, I would like to thank the White House Historical Association and the United States Postal Service, especially Judy de Torok, who made todays event possible.
Strong American families are the foundation of a healthy society and serve as a stepping-stone towards building a better world. The dynamics within American households shape our Nations core values, strengths, and collective wisdom.
It is within the privacy of our homes that the principles of morality, ambition, and empathy take root. The family unit serves as our first line of foresight, often more influential than the decisions made in Washington, D.C.
Barbara Bushs iconic commencement address at Wellesley College in 1990 remains an important moment in the conversation surrounding womens roles in society. Her message, which emphasized the importance of family and personal integrity, encouraged women to carve their own paths in life.
Mrs. Bush exclaimed, Your success as a familyour success as a societydepends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house. The First Lady further inspired her audience by highlighting the importance of pursuing personal dreams, stating, The winner of the hoop race will be the first to realize her dream. Not societys dreams, her own personal dream. Who knowssomewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well.
Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision. As a devoted mother and one of only two First Ladies whose son also ascended to the presidency, she embodied the complex interplay of ambition and identity that defines us all.
Mrs. Bushs legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention. While she is known for championing literacy, she also supported womens empowerment, changed the national conversation on AIDS, and took a stance supporting gay rights.
I applaud Mrs. Bushs mark defending our societys vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker. We have, can, and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future.
The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bushs contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our Nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength, and uphold the values that direct us toward a meaningful existence.
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