China criticizes UK-US trade deal, citing concerns over targeting other nations; poses difficulties for UK government.

From Morningstar: 2025-05-14 05:08:00

China criticized the UK-US trade deal, stating that such agreements should not target other nations. The deal aims to prevent the UK from being a backdoor for circumvention of US measures on trade and security in relation to nations like China through its exports. This criticism poses difficulties for the UK government as it navigates its position between two economic superpowers.

The UK’s deal with America removes the 25% tariff rate on UK steel and aluminium exports in exchange for giving American agriculture greater access to British markets. American levies on British cars fall to 10% for the first 100,000 vehicles exported to the US. The UK government remains open to investment from countries like China, emphasizing that trade and investment with China are important to the UK’s national interest.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited China in January, securing agreements worth GBP600 million for the UK over the next five years. The UK government signed the US deal to secure thousands of jobs across key sectors, protect British businesses and lay the groundwork for future trade. The government continues to engage in areas that align with UK and global interests, cooperating, competing, and challenging where necessary.



Read more at Morningstar: China Criticises UK Trade Deal with US