BREXIT Britain could dodge Donald Trump’s latest trade war as the US President suggested a deal can be struck between London and Washington.
The Republican firebrand is gearing up to slap brutal tariffs on the EU but hinted the UK could be spared.
AFPUS President Donald Trump hinted the UK could be spared from his brutal tariffs[/caption]
PASir Keir Starmer is visiting Brussels today[/caption]
Asked if he would target the UK, the US President told the BBC: “UK is out of line but I’m sure that one… I think that one can be worked out.”
The comments fuel hopes Brexit could be the UK’s get-out clause as Trump confirmed America’s trade deficit with the EU means Brussels will “definitely” be hit.
UK ministers have often argued the country could avoid tariffs since the US does not have a trade deficit with Britain.
Trump added that talks with Sir Keir Starmer had been “very nice,” saying: “We’ve had a couple of meetings. We’ve had numerous phone calls. We’re getting along very well.”
Responding to Trump’s threat, the EU has warned it is ready to retaliate against “hurtful” tariffs.
It comes after the US President announced a 25 per cent levy on goods coming from Mexico and Canada, and a 10 per cent trade tax on Chinese goods, arguing his trade war would be worth the “pain” to create a “golden age of America”.
Both Canada and Mexico vowed to hit back with levies on US goods, while China threatened to take the US to court and hinted at further retaliation.
On a timeline for EU tariffs, he said: “I wouldn’t say there’s a timeline, but it’s going to be pretty soon.”
The PM yesterday played down concerns of a trade war with the UK, insisting: “It is early days. What I want to see is strong trading relations.”
The Prime Minister added: “In the discussions that I have had with President Trump, that is what we have centred on – a strong trading relationship.”
The PM will meet EU leaders in Brussels today, urging them to ramp up pressure on Vladimir Putin and match UK and US sanctions.
He is also set to meet Nato boss Mark Rutte.
But his visit risks being overshadowed by Trump’s comments, as well as his past wild claims about annexing Greenland and making Canada the 51st state.
Sir Keir said: “I’m here to work with our European partners on keeping up the pressure, targeting the energy revenues and the companies supplying his missile factories to crush Putin’s war machine,” Sir Keir said.
“Because ultimately, alongside our military support, that is what will bring peace closer.
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