Battle Lines Trump edition: ‘This is Trump unleashed and unfiltered’
Apr 18, 2025
Kim Darroch, the former UK ambassador to the US, shares his intriguing perspective on Trump's evolving trade strategies. He discusses the potential for a US-UK trade deal and the challenges posed by tariffs. Darroch reflects on his firsthand experience with Trump’s previous trade war with China and its implications for Britain. The conversation also navigates the need for a new Iran nuclear deal and the shifting dynamics within NATO as the US recalibrates its focus away from Europe. Plus, insights into Trump's admiration for Churchill add an unexpected twist!
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UK-US Tariffs Lack Justification
- There is no economic justification for the US tariffs on the UK due to the US running a trade surplus with Britain.
- Despite positive rhetoric, unresolved contentious issues make a quick trade deal unlikely.
Possible Trade Deal Concessions
- American demands may include scrapping the UK's digital services tax and online safety bill.
- US seeks greater agricultural market access, threatening UK farming standards and industry viability.
EU Trade Alignment Favored
- UK's biggest trade partner remains the EU, exceeding US exports by more than double.
- Aligning regulations with the EU offers a clearer path to growth than shifting towards the US standards.