“We are going to take a look at it,” he replied, adding, “we want to make the prime minister happy.”
His comment comes despite nervousness within the U.K. government about the implementation of some elements of the U.K.-U.S. Economic Prosperity Deal signed more than two months ago.
In addition to a reduction to the 10 percent reciprocal tariff rate, the U.K. is pushing for the U.S. to implement its commitment to cut tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25 percent to zero. Progress has been stymied by U.S. “melt and pour rules” that require steel imported to the U.S. to be melted and poured in the U.K. to qualify for tariff relief.
Asked about the possibility of tariff reductions on steel and aluminum, the president did not comment directly.
“We’re in great shape, a great deal was made with the UK prime minister — they did a great job,” he said. “You know, they’ve been trying to make that deal for 12 years, and he got it done, so everybody respects him … it’s going to be a lot of jobs for here, and great for America, and in terms of the relationship … our relationship is unparalleled, but it keeps it even closer when you have a good trade deal.”
The president was also asked about the possibility of cutting tariffs on Scotch whisky, a major U.K. export.