U.S.-UK announce key agriculture trade deal on VE Day

Earlier today, President Donald Trump and U.S. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new trade agreement. The deal promises to expand American access to UK markets, particularly for agriculture, energy, and aerospace, while establishing a framework for deeper economic cooperation between the longtime allies.

“This is now turning out to be, really, a great deal for both countries,” Trump said during a joint announcement. “Billions of dollars in new market access — especially for our farmers and ranchers. American beef, ethanol, and many other products will now reach British consumers more easily.”

The agreement creates a $5 billion export opportunity for U.S. producers, including more than $700 million in ethanol and $250 million in beef and other agricultural goods. A new 13,000 metric ton tariff-free quota for U.S. beef, elimination of ethanol tariffs, and reduced non-tariff barriers were among the key concessions from the UK.

Starmer said the agreement would “not only protect jobs, but create jobs,” calling it a strong foundation for future economic cooperation. “Eighty years ago, our nations stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight for freedom. Today, we stand united again — this time for prosperity.”

Today is Victory in Europe Day (or VE Day), and Starmer was referencing that event in 1945.

The agreement may set the tone for upcoming negotiations with other trading partners. “Switzerland and several others are already in touch,” Trump noted.

In 2024, total U.S.-UK goods trade amounted to $148 billion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports showed the UK imported $2.18 billion in U.S. agricultural products last year, making it the 13th largest destination for American ag exports. The UK is the world’s fifth-largest agricultural importer by value.

Michigan Farm Bureau President Ben LaCross welcomed the announcement amid ongoing concerns over the projected $49 billion U.S. ag trade deficit for 2025. “Hopefully this establishes a framework for reciprocal trade agreements that will benefit American agriculture.”

Trump’s administration framed the Economic Prosperity Deal as a turning point in the global trade landscape  — one that both commemorates past alliances and reinvigorates economic ties for a new era.