Donald Trump has hinted that South Korea might be the first country to secure a fresh trade deal with the United States, a move that could undermine Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to bolster US-UK relations since his tenure began at Number 10.
The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, revealed that technical talks with Seoul are set to start next week, remarking that the progress is "moving faster than I thought".
Do you think Keir Starmer should be prioritising a trade deal with America? Have your say in our comments section.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Mr Bessent said: "We had a very successful bilateral meeting with the Republic of South Korea today. We may be moving faster than I thought. The South Koreans came early. They came with their A game and we will see if they follow through on that."
The possibility of a swift US-Korea trade accord could come as a blow to the Prime Minister, who has been keen to rejuvenate Britain's lagging attempts to clinch a post-Brexit deal with Washington.
Although Mr Trump has not ruled out a trade agreement with the UK, there is growing concern in Westminster that Britain may no longer be a top priority for the White House, according to reports from the Express.
Sir Keir, who has welcomed Mr Trump for a state visit to occur later this year, has previously confirmed his dedication to "committed to strengthening our trade relationship with the United States" and aspires to forge "ambitious agreements" across vital sectors.
Growing concerns are arising among senior officials that President Trump's Indo-Pacific strategy could result in the UK being sidelined.
When pressed about potential future negotiation partners, Mr Trump chose not to elaborate, instead saying: "I'd like to meet them all. That would be nice. I'd like to take care of all of them but we have many of them there and they all want to meet."
He also confidently added: "They want to meet about trade. And we are making some great inroads and great deals."
The progress made by Mr Trump places further expectation on Sir Keir to deliver concrete outcomes in foreign policy and international trade, especially amid criticism that his approach to post-Brexit trade has been high in rhetoric and low in action.
Finally, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is participating in the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, aiming to reinvigorate discussions surrounding a UK-US trade deal.
In light of President Trump's recent imposition of hefty tariffs on UK exports, including a 25 percent tax on cars, steel, and aluminium, Reeves remains optimistic, suggesting that "a deal to be done" still exists with the United States. She has made it clear that any agreement must not compromise British food standards and online regulation, but she hasn't ruled out the possibility of mutual tariff reductions on vehicles between the UK and the US.
As she prepared for their meeting, Ms Reeves acknowledged an increasing understanding of President Trump's goals, yet she cautioned that developed economies "can't afford to be agnostic or naive" about the machinations of global trade systems.
Do you think Keir Starmer should be prioritising a trade deal with America? Have your say in our comments section.
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