What The Future Holds For a UK-USA Trade Deal

Just weeks into Donald Trump’s presidency and with the recent triggering of Article 50 on the 29th March; the impact of Brexit is still uncertain.  In the current climate, nothing can be guaranteed, making the UK’s ‘special relationship’ with the US more important than ever, the strength of this relationship could decide whether Brexit is a success or an abject failure.

Britain Needs the USA.

It is vital the UK achieves bilateral trade deals ahead of departing the EU in March 2019, non-more so than with the US.  Data from The Office for National Statistics shows the US is the UK’s largest trading partner, with 15.7% of UK exported goods finding their way to US shores.  Any interference in this trade would certainly spell danger for the UK economy.

In mid-January, before taking office and during an interview with Michael Gove for The Times, President Trump stated that a trade deal with the UK would be a priority, “I’m a big fan of the UK, we’re going to work very hard to get it [trade deal] done quickly and done properly.  Good for both sides.”  Hopes of a quick trade deal and a strong UK economy post Brexit could hinge on the strength and success of Donald Trump’s Presidency.  Until leaving the EU nothing can be counted as concrete, it appears however that the cooling of the “special relationship” in previous years has been replaced with a pro-British administration, the timing of which could not be more crucial to the UK economy.

West Midlands First?

It’s still early days, and so much could change, but on a more local level, we’re delighted to see that Westminster has just published an ambitious multi-million pound ‘Midlands Engine Strategy’ in an effort for the region to reach its full economic potential. This includes investment for local growth funds, education, employment, training and transport. Such investment is a very positive move for the region, and instils hope that business and manufacturing in our region is still a valued proposition.