Trump and Starmer Open Bilateral Trade Talks After Liberation Day Tariffs

President Trump spoke by phone with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on April 18, 2025, initiating formal bilateral trade discussions following the Liberation Day tariffs. The White House described the call as focused on deepening the US-UK special relationship and exploring mutual market access. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer subsequently led technical-level negotiations with the UK Department for Business and Trade over several weeks. The UK positioned itself as a willing partner, emphasizing its trade surplus with the U.S. in services and its defense commitments as leverage for favorable tariff terms.