Reform UK’s Nigel Farage has expressed strong optimism regarding the possibility of a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States within the coming months, stating it is “absolutely” attainable.
During an interview with GB News, Farage suggested that Donald Trump might be compelled to reassess his current economic strategies, citing internal disagreements within the President’s administration as contributing factors. This follows a recent shift in US policy after widespread criticism of proposed tariffs.
Initially announcing extensive tariff measures impacting numerous nations, President Trump subsequently announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for 75 countries, attributing the reversal to what he described as world leaders exceeding acceptable boundaries. “They were jumping a little bit out of line,” Trump remarked. “No other president would have done what I did.”
Farage highlighted the recent volatility in financial markets linked to Trump’s tariff policies, explaining that the reaction stemmed from both economic anxieties and pressure exerted by the President’s key supporters.
“What happened is some of Donald Trump’s biggest supporters said please, you’ve got to take your foot off the brake, otherwise we’re going to be in big trouble,” he stated.
He further suggested that Trump’s plan to offset tax reductions through tariffs may require a significant alteration and acknowledged internal friction within the President’s cabinet regarding this approach.
“This is a reaction to the markets. Clearly his trade war with China is all too real,” Farage observed.
Farage asserted that the UK possesses a distinct advantage in negotiations with the US compared to the European Union, largely due to Trump’s positive perception of the United Kingdom.
“We’re in a much better place to negotiate than the European Union is. Donald Trump actually likes us,” he explained.
He confirmed that he has offered his assistance to the UK government in securing a trade deal with the US, but stressed the importance of operating within official channels.
“I have made it absolutely clear that I would do anything I could to help us get a trade deal, to help us with any form of the relationship,” he said.
However, he emphasized that any involvement must be sanctioned by the UK government to avoid undermining official policy.
“If I go directly to the American administration, I will be interfering with British Government policy, and I’m not going to do that,” Farage concluded.
- US stocks experienced a significant rebound following Trump’s tariff reversal.
- Calls have emerged for increased tariffs on China.
- Trump indicated his belief that Chinese President Xi Jinping is seeking an agreement amid escalating trade tensions.
