Rachel Reeves is set to make the case for free global trade at the International Monetary Fund’s spring meeting in Washington DC, as she hopes to get a trade deal with the US over the line. The Chancellor has jetted out to the United States as Britain hopes to ramp up the pressure to get a deal signed with President Trump.
Ms Reeves will urge the White House to slash its tariffs, with UK trade officials hoping that an FTA might see some relief for Britain’s car, steel and pharmaceutical manufacturers. However there is little hope that any trade deal would see the blanket 10% tariffs lifted from the rest of Britain’s economy. Ahead of Ms Reeves’ flight out, a senior official told the Guardian: “We’re facing a new economic reality, but we’re a heavily trading country, with the value of our exports the equivalent of 60% of GDP, so it’s always in our own interests to promote free trade.”
While Donald Trump, JD Vance and other crucial US figures have suggested Britain is on course for a good and quick trade deal with the US, British sources have urged caution.
A government source told the paper: “At the end of the day, the timing is down to one man, so there is a degree of uncertainty there.”
Last week Vice President Vance said there is a “good chance” that a deal can be reached.
He told the UnHerd website: “We’re certainly working very hard with Keir Starmer’s government.”
“The President really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King.
“It is a very important relationship. And he’s a businessman and has a number of important business relationships in [Britain].
“But I think it’s much deeper than that. There’s a real cultural affinity. And of course, fundamentally America is an Anglo country
“I think there’s a good chance that, yes, we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries.”
While in Washington the Chancellor will meet with her US counterpart, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, for the first time.
However she will make clear that she will not sign a deal at any cost.
Ms Reeves previously insisted: “Any deal that is able to be secured will always have front and centre British national interest.”
At 2pm today the IMF will publish its updated growth forecasts for world economies, with the top economics body expected to downgrade expectations following Donald Trump’s trade chaos.
