U.S. Vice President JD Vance believes there is a strong chance that the United States and the United Kingdom will reach a major trade deal soon. In an interview with UnHerd on Tuesday, Vance credited former President Donald Trump’s admiration for the U.K. and its royal family as a driving force behind the effort.
Vance noted that ongoing talks between the two nations could result in a deal that benefits both sides. He also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for what he called “unproductive” comments regarding the U.S. role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s Strong Ties to the UK May Boost Trade Talks
Talks between U.S. and U.K. officials have been active in recent weeks. The discussions originally centered around artificial intelligence and tech cooperation. However, they have since expanded to include areas like food imports and other goods.
“The President really loves the United Kingdom,” Vance said. “He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship.”
Vance added that Trump, known for his business background, maintains strong ties with the British business community. This could make a potential deal more likely.“I think there’s a good chance that, yes, we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries,” Vance said.
Current US Tariffs on British Goods
Although the U.K. avoided the harshest tariffs during Trump’s first wave of trade measures, British goods are still facing barriers. U.S. importers currently pay a 10% duty on many British products. Steel and car imports are taxed at 25%.
Despite these challenges, trade between the two nations remains fairly balanced. That balance has helped prevent more severe actions and is now fueling optimism for a new agreement.
Focus on AI, Tech, and Possibly Food
While AI and technology were the original focus of the trade talks, both countries are now exploring deals on food and consumer products. The expansion of the talks could lead to a broader and more beneficial agreement.
The Biden administration previously struggled to move the deal forward, but with Trump likely to play a key role in the 2024 election cycle, momentum could increase. Vance’s comments suggest that a change in leadership could help seal the deal.
Vance Pushes Europe on Defense, Criticizes Zelenskyy
During the interview, Vance also addressed European defense spending. He urged European nations to take more responsibility for their own security.
As vice president since January 2025, Vance has taken a firm stance on Europe. He repeated his call for NATO members to increase defense budgets and share the burden more fairly.
Vance also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for implying that he had justified Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Understanding the Conflict, Not Justifying It
Vance explained that while he condemned Russia’s invasion from the start, understanding both sides’ motives is key to finding peace.“That doesn’t mean you morally support the Russian cause,” he said. “But you do have to try to understand what are their strategic red lines, in the same way that you have to try to understand what the Ukrainians are trying to get out of the conflict.”
He said Zelenskyy’s claim that the U.S. is siding with Russia was both misleading and harmful.“It’s sort of absurd for Zelenskyy to tell the government, which is currently keeping his entire government and war effort together, that we are somehow on the side of the Russians.”
Vance called the Ukrainian leader’s remarks “certainly not productive.”
What’s Next for US-UK Trade?
Both sides have shown interest in securing a mutually beneficial deal. The Biden administration laid the groundwork for these talks, but Trump-era relationships and interests may now be reigniting progress.
If a deal is reached, it could include sectors such as:
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Technology and AI
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Food and agriculture
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Automobiles and steel
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Cross-border investment
A successful agreement would mark a major step in U.S.-U.K. trade relations, especially post-Brexit.
