US Vice President JD Vance has indicated there is a “good chance” of securing a trade agreement with the UK, as the Trump administration’s sweeping tariff policies continue to reshape global commerce. Speaking in an interview with UnHerd, Vance emphasized strong collaboration with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, citing the historically balanced trade relationship between the two nations as a key advantage.
The global stock market has faced significant volatility since President Donald Trump imposed broad tariffs on April 2, including a 10% baseline levy on imports from the UK, France, and other traditional allies. While initial market reactions were severe with trillions wiped from US stocks some stability has returned following selective exemptions. Vance acknowledged the short-term turbulence but defended the strategy as necessary for long-term economic rebalancing, stating, “What we want is to see lower trade deficits, really across the board.”
UK officials have reportedly made progress in recent trade talks with Washington, with discussions extending beyond tariffs to encompass goods and services. Vance contrasted the UK’s cooperative stance with that of other European nations, singling out Germany for its restrictive trade policies toward US exports.
Beyond trade, Vance addressed broader geopolitical concerns, including strained US-Europe relations and the war in Ukraine. Dismissing claims of anti-European sentiment following leaked critical remarks, he affirmed, “I love European people… You can’t separate American culture from European culture.” However, he reiterated calls for Europe to bolster its own defense capabilities, arguing that over-reliance on US security is unsustainable.
Regarding Ukraine, Vance denied any softening toward Russia but stressed the need to understand Moscow’s strategic concerns to achieve peace. “That doesn’t mean you morally support the Russian cause,” he clarified, “but you have to understand their red lines just as you do Ukraine’s.” His remarks followed a deadly Russian missile strike that killed at least 35 Ukrainians, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to invite Trump to visit before any potential negotiations with Moscow.
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