President Trump Delivers on Trade: Strategic Agreements with UK and Vietnam Signed Amid Global Negotiations

The move to reshape global trade dynamics, President Donald Trump and his administration have made significant strides in their ambitious trade negotiation strategy. Back in April 2025, the White House promised a "lightning round" of global trade negotiations, aiming to secure 90 deals in 90 days to rebalance trade relationships and protect American economic interests. As of July 9, 2025, the administration has successfully secured two key trade agreements—with the United Kingdom and Vietnam—and is poised to finalize additional deals in the near future, demonstrating the effectiveness of Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

Key Trade Agreements Secured

United Kingdom: Strengthening Transatlantic Ties

At the recent Group of Seven summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant trade agreement that bolsters economic ties between the US and the UK. This deal, a cornerstone of post-Brexit cooperation, includes:

• Automotive Sector: Tariffs on British autos exported to the US have been reduced from 27.5% to 10%, with a quota of 100,000 vehicles per year, effective by the end of July 2025. This reduction supports the UK’s automotive industry while ensuring controlled access to the US market.

• Aerospace Industry: US tariffs on UK aerospace products have been eliminated, exempting the UK from a 10% levy, fostering growth in a critical sector for both nations.

• Steel and Supply Chain Security: While a final agreement to reduce tariffs on British steel to 0% is still pending, the UK has committed to meeting stringent American requirements for steel supply chain security, as outlined in a recent executive order by President Trump. The current steel tariff stands at 25%, following adjustments from an initially proposed 50%.

• Agricultural Exports: The agreement allows US farmers to export 13,000 metric tons (approximately 29 million pounds) of beef to the UK annually, with reciprocal access for UK beef exports to the US. The UK maintains its ban on hormone-treated beef, aligning with its regulatory standards.

This deal protects jobs in vital sectors and strengthens the US-UK partnership, countering decades of economic challenges faced by the UK steel industry due to high costs and competition from countries like China. Source: AP News

Vietnam: Addressing Trade Imbalances

On May 23, 2025, the Trump administration announced a trade pact with Vietnam, a significant step toward addressing the substantial US trade deficit with the country, which reached $122 billion in 2024. Key elements of the agreement include:

• Duty-Free US Exports: US goods can now enter Vietnam duty-free, providing American businesses with enhanced market access.

• Tariffs on Vietnamese Exports: Vietnamese exports to the US face a 20% tariff, a reduction from the previously announced 46% tariff, which was suspended for 90 days starting in April 2025.

• Transshipment Measures: A 40% tariff has been imposed on goods transshipped through Vietnam, targeting efforts to circumvent US tariffs by rerouting products from other countries.

President Trump hailed the agreement as “a Great Deal of Cooperation between our two Countries” on Truth Social, emphasizing its role in fostering fair trade. Experts, such as Mary Lovely from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, note that Vietnam’s eagerness to avoid higher tariffs reflects the effectiveness of Trump’s negotiation strategy, particularly with smaller economies. Source: AP News

The Trump administration is actively pursuing additional trade agreements, with significant progress reported in negotiations with the European Union and China. During a recent press conference, President Trump indicated that talks with the EU are advancing, with the 27-nation bloc showing increased cooperation in recent weeks. The administration aims to finalize a trade deal with the EU by the end of July 2025, potentially before the extended tariff deadline of August 1, 2025. Trump also noted that he expects to inform the EU of the tariff rate for their exports to the US by July 11, 2025, signaling imminent progress. Source: Reuters

Additionally, a framework agreement with China has been announced, though details remain limited. This development suggests that even major economic powers are responding to the administration’s pressure to negotiate fairer trade terms. Reports also indicate that a deal with India is close, further expanding the scope of Trump’s trade agenda. Source: Reuters

Tariff Strategy: Maintaining Pressure

To ensure that countries prioritize negotiations, the Trump administration has maintained a robust tariff policy. On July 7, 2025, the White House announced new tariff rates for several countries, effective August 1, 2025, as part of its reciprocal tariff enforcement strategy. These tariffs, ranging from 25% to 40%, target nations that have not yet reached trade agreements with the US. The following table outlines the new tariff rates:

Country	New Tariff Rate
Japan	25%
Korea	25%
South Africa	30%
Kazakhstan	25%
Laos	40%
Malaysia	25%
Myanmar	40%
Tunisia	25%
Bosnia and Herzegovina	30%
Indonesia	32%
Bangladesh	35%
Serbia	35%
Cambodia	36%
Thailand	36%

Additionally, a 50% tariff on imported copper was announced on July 8, 2025, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to protecting domestic industries. The tariff deadline, initially set for July 9, 2025, has been extended to August 1, 2025, providing additional time for negotiations while maintaining pressure on trading partners. The White House has stated that no further extensions are planned, underscoring the urgency of reaching agreements. Source: White House Fact Sheet

The Trump administration’s trade strategy has already generated significant economic activity, with the Treasury collecting approximately $100 billion in tariff revenue so far in 2025, projected to reach $300 billion by year-end. This represents a substantial increase from the $80 billion collected annually in recent years. The Yale Budget Lab estimates that the effective US tariff rate has risen to 17.6%, the highest since 1934, reflecting the scale of Trump’s trade policy. Source: Reuters

However, critics, including some lawmakers and analysts, have pointed out that only two deals have been finalized, falling short of the promised 90 deals in 90 days. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly noted this discrepancy, suggesting that the administration’s ambitious timeline may have underestimated the complexity of global trade negotiations. Source: The Hill In response, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has emphasized that the 90-day period was merely the starting point, with more deals expected in the coming months. Supporters argue that the secured agreements and ongoing talks demonstrate the effectiveness of Trump’s strategy in compelling nations to negotiate.

President Trump’s trade policy is rooted in a commitment to reversing decades of globalization that he argues have disadvantaged American workers and industries. By leveraging tariffs and high-stakes negotiations, the administration is seeking to level the playing field, reduce trade deficits, and protect critical sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture. The agreements with the UK and Vietnam, combined with the prospect of deals with major economies like the EU and China, signal a shift toward a more assertive US trade posture.

The extension of the tariff deadline to August 1, 2025, reflects a pragmatic approach, allowing additional time to secure agreements while maintaining pressure on trading partners. The administration’s focus on transshipment measures, as seen in the Vietnam deal, also addresses concerns about trade circumvention, ensuring that tariffs achieve their intended economic impact. Source: AP News

As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, President Trump’s unwavering commitment to fair trade and protecting American interests is yielding tangible results. The trade agreements with the UK and Vietnam represent significant victories, providing American businesses with enhanced market access and addressing longstanding trade imbalances. Ongoing negotiations with the EU, China, and other nations, coupled with a robust tariff strategy, underscore the administration’s determination to secure better terms for US industries and workers.

By standing firm against unfair trade practices and global economic elites, President Trump is sending a clear message: America is back, and it’s here to stay. With more deals expected in the pipeline and the President’s bold leadership, the United States is poised to enter a new era of economic prosperity and global influence, ensuring that American workers and businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive world.