Andrew Marr grills US Ambassador on UK-US trade deal
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International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan held progressive talks with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Washington today. During her first overseas trip since taking the role in September, Ms Trevelyan said trade and investment between the two countries is already “thriving”, but stressed more can be achieved.
The Secretary of State added talks are underway to reduce tariffs on steel and make changes to financial services.
In a post on Twitter, Ms Trevelyan wrote: “Got the @Amtrak [train] down to DC last night.
“Today I’m meeting @AmbassadorTai and key politicians to talk about our comprehensive approach to transatlantic trade + how free & fair trade can boost our economies @UKinUSA”
She later added: “US/UK Trade & investment is thriving. But we can go further.
“Today, I spoke to @AmbassadorTai about: Making trade work for our constituents and every region of our two great countries.
“Progress on reducing steel tariffs.
“Tackling market-distorting practices @UKinUSA”
The UK has been pushing for the US to remove tariffs on UK steel and aluminium.
Former US President Donald Trump slapped 25 percent and 10 percent tariffs on metal imports from the European Union in 2018.
Joe Biden suspended the tariffs for the bloc in October, but UK firms are still subject to the levies.
Last week, UK officials downplayed concerns that the decision to exclude Britain could be linked to Washington’s concerns over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
President Biden has repeatedly warned there would be no deal if the UK did not adhere to the Good Friday Agreement.
London and Washington have already secured a series on mini-deals including putting British beef and lamb back on US plates, as well as lowering the cost of Scotch Whisky exports.
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According to the Department for International Trade (DIT) US-owned businesses supported 1.48 million UK jobs in 2019.
The DIT added 60 percent of these jobs were outside London and the South East.
On Wednesday, Ms Trevelyan is expected to meet US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and attend a Women in Trade roundtable hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Ahead of the three-day visit, Ms Trevelyan said: “From Teesside to Tulsa, there are huge opportunities to deepen the trading links benefiting communities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
She added: “Now is the time to hit the ground running and get on with boosting ties with our closest ally.”
Trade minister Penny Mordaunt is also embarking on a multi-state visit of southeastern parts of the US and California.
Ms Mordaunt is scheduled to remain in the US until December 16 and seeking to increase cooperation on areas including services, digital and agriculture.”
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