London secures trade deal: a major coup?
The UK and the US have agreed on a trade pact that reduces tariffs between the two countries. According to UK sources, tariffs on car imports to the US are to be lowered, those on steel and aluminium abolished entirely and import duties on US goods cut. Prior to signing this deal, the UK had finalised a free-trade agreement with India this week. Europe's press is divided in its assessment of the plans.
Thankfully Starmer kept a cool head
The deal is the product of Starmer's carefully calibrated approach, The Independent comments approvingly:
“Even as equable a man as the prime minister will have felt sorely tried since President Donald Trump launched his tariff schedules. ... It would have been easy (and understandable) if Sir Keir had played to the home audience and condemned the president. Yet he did not give way to that temptation, though so often urged to do so. It would have been, at best, futile - and, at worst, counterproductive. ... Sir Keir said growth was his priority - and now he has some evidence to suggest that he is indeed delivering a welcome 'change' in the nation's fortunes - and its morale.”
Brits are savvier than the EU
The EU should take a leaf out of the UK's book when it comes to dealing with US President Trump, Les Echos advises:
“British diplomacy - based on discreet negotiations, concessions on the tax for Gafam [the five tech giants], and also a victory for 100,000 British cars free of additional tariffs (on top of the ten percent basic tariff) - was more effective than European diplomacy, with its threats and combative tone. The British strategy confirms that Donald Trump wants symbolic victories. And that a psychological and tactical approach should take precedent over arrogance and strategic manoeuvring. In short: Donald Trump must be beaten with his own weapons.”
The key partner is Europe
The trade deal is a welcome development but won't make much of an impact on economic growth, predicts the Financial Times:
“The greatest potential for trade-related economic gains for Britain is closer to home, through improving ties with the EU, still its largest trading partner. ... Starmer's quick-footed pragmatism in getting trade deals done is refreshing for a government that still needs to prove it can deliver for the country. But when it comes to actually raising the UK's economic growth, the agreements, so far, are little more than a sideshow.”