Today, a close political ally of Donald Trump met with Rishi Sunak and Kemi Badenoch as the UK finalized a trade agreement with Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott of the Lone Star State signed the state-level partnership, prompting Prime Minister Sunak to describe the moment as “exciting” for the UK.
Mr. Sunak expressed his enthusiasm to Governor Abbott, labeling the occasion “fantastic” as they convened at Downing Street for the agreement signing.
Although this agreement falls short of being a full-fledged trade deal due to the limited authority of individual US states, it resembles a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing cooperation between British and Texan businesses and addressing regulatory barriers to trade.
The Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto had prioritized achieving a free trade agreement with America. However, progress on this front has stalled, with Ms. Badenoch attributing the delay to a lack of interest from the current US administration.
the UK has pursued a series of state-level agreements, including those with Indiana in May 2022 and, most recently, with Florida in November of last year.
While these agreements do not offer the tariff reductions associated with free trade deals, they provide some assistance to businesses by recognizing UK qualifications and addressing state-level regulatory issues.
Outside Number 10, Governor Abbott reaffirmed his friendship with Mr. Trump but dismissed rumors of a potential vice presidential candidacy in November.
