Britain and US announce trade deal while base tariff of 10% remains

With the British economy struggling to grow, the tariffs had added to the pressure on Mr Starmer's government.

British prime minister Keir Starmer said 'this is a really fantastic, historic day' following the Oval Office announcement. Picture: Alberto Pezzali/PA

US president Donald Trump and British prime minister Keir Starmer have announced a “breakthrough deal” on trade that leaves in place a 10% tariff on goods imported from Britain while the country agreed to lower its tariffs to 1.8% from 5.1% and provide greater access to US goods.

The agreement announced from the Oval Office marked the first since Mr Trump triggered a global trade war with a barrage of levies on trading partners following his return to the White House in January.