The United States considers business links with Great Britain “in a different day” because it has no significant deficit with the country, but difficult problems remain on the prices, a minister of the British cabinet said on Sunday.
Since his return to power, President Donald Trump has sent shock waves through the world capitals by threatening or imposing high prices on goods imported into the United States as part of his recast of trade policy.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said Britain broadcasters had a balanced trading relationship with the United States and that he reported “good commitment, good conversations” in his meetings with the Trump administration.
“They see us in a different light. It does not mean that it will be a simple navigation for us. We have things difficult to agree, but they recognize that the relationship is different,” said Reynolds.
Last week, Reynolds said that Great Britain would seek to persuade the American government that its steel and aluminum products should avoid prices because of the sensitive role they play in the American defense sector and its manufacturing supply chains.
Trump said on Sunday that he would present new 25% prices on all steel and aluminum imports to the United States, in addition to existing metal rights. He declared earlier in February when he talked about prices in general, that he thought that something could be “elaborated” with Great Britain.
The two countries report commercial surpluses between them – including goods and services – due to differences in measurement, according to the British office for national statistics.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes that it will work to avoid prices.
Reynolds said he had spoken of the commercial relationship with Mark Burnett, Trump’s special envoy in Great Britain, and Kevin Hassett, the president’s best economic adviser.
Great Britain has published a major consultation for its steel industry on Sunday, weeks in advance due to the announcement by Trump of fresh prices on steel imports in the United States.
Trump said his radical prices will level the rules of the game for American products abroad and will invigorate a downward American manufacturing base. They also sowed confusion between companies and have annoyed longtime American allies.