UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed confidence on Wednesday that a trade agreement with the United States—aimed at eliminating tariffs on British steel—will be finalized within weeks,

averting a potential tariff hike set for July.

Last month, Starmer and U.S. President Donald Trump reached an agreement to ease trade tensions by cutting U.S. tariffs on UK steel, aluminium, and car imports. In return, the UK would reduce duties on American beef and ethanol. However, the agreement has yet to be formally implemented.

Under current conditions, British steel exports to the U.S. remain subject to a 25% tariff. But a clause in a recent proclamation from Trump states that these could rise to 50% starting July 9 if the agreement isn't enacted in time.

When asked whether Trump was shifting the terms of the deal or pressuring the UK with a new deadline, Starmer downplayed concerns, stating implementation was on track.

“We have a deal, and we're implementing it,” he told lawmakers. “Within a very short time, I'm very confident we will get those tariffs down in accordance with the deal. Let's come back to this in just a couple of weeks.”

Meanwhile, UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Tuesday to push for swift implementation of the sector-specific tariff reductions.

UK Steel, the trade body representing the industry, welcomed Reynolds' efforts to prevent the immediate tariff hike but warned that uncertainty around timing may discourage U.S. buyers from placing orders with British suppliers.

“The U.S. and UK must urgently turn the May deal into reality to remove the tariffs completely,” said Gareth Stace, Director-General of UK Steel. Photo by Number 10, Wikimedia commons.