In its second international trade deal in the space of a week, the UK government has secured a major trade deal with the US that leaves Britain’s Digital Services Tax unchanged and potentially opens the doors to a future UK-US technology partnership via which the science and tech sectors in both countries will collaborate in areas such as quantum computing.
The UK Digital Services Tax (DST) was introduced at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, and applies a 2% levy on search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces that make worldwide sales of over £500m and derive £25m of that total from the UK. This includes the likes of Google, Meta and Amazon and at the time, it was estimated that it could contribute over £500m to the economy. The true figure is thought to be much higher.
However, amid a swathe of Executive Orders (EOs) issued at the start of his second presidential term, Donald Trump directed the US government to take action to “defend” US companies and innovators from DSTs, which have been enacted by other countries besides the UK.
Trump had accused other governments of exercising undue extraterritorial authority over American tech business and said their officials had openly admitted were “designed to plunder American companies”.
The president also said US partners were engaged in practices such as limiting cross-border data flows, requiring US streaming services such as Netflix to fund local productions, and charging network usage and internet termination fees. He claimed such measures violate US sovereignty, limit the competitiveness of its digital businesses, and increases costs.
However, this has now been walked back because in place of changes to the DST, the deal instead provides for Britain and the US to start work on a digital trade deal to “strip back” paperwork for UK firms trying to export across the Atlantic. Westminster claimed that if successful, the deal will put “rocket boosters” on the economy.
The retention of the DST will come as a relief to many government insiders and outside observers who raised concerns that axing it could cause a backlash given Labour’s controversial changes to benefits and National Insurance contributions since the General Election. In March, MP Clive Lewis said the mere suggestion of killing it off would look “absolutely horrific” to the public.
Speaking after the deal was announced in Washington DC, prime minister Keir Starmer said: “This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers. My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.
“As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under president Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security.
“My government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”
Speaking at a press conference, Trump said: “The actual deal is a very conclusive one. We think just about everything’s been approved. It’s so good for both countries.
“Both countries have agreed that the economic security is national security and will be working together as allies to ensure that we have a strong industrial base, appropriate export controls and protections for key technologies and industries.”
“This deal marks a new era in our relationship with the United Kingdom, our great ally,” said US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. “And more importantly this deal opens up an enormous multibillion dollar export opportunity for hardworking Americans. While groundbreaking, this deal is the first of many as president Trump continues to deliver on his promises to the American people.”
Cars and steel
The headline elements of the deal centre manufacturing and see car export tariffs dropped to 10% from 27.5% on a quote of 100,000 vehicles per annum – saving hundreds of millions of pounds for the likes of Jaguar Land Rover – and the elimination of tariffs on UK steelmakers. The UK has also secured new reciprocal market access on beef and will not have to weaken its food safety regulations to comply with US standards.
Work is set to continue on other sectors, including pharmaceuticals and other remaining reciprocal tariffs, however, the government also revealed that the US has agreed the UK is to get preferential treatment in any future tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the US’ Trade Expansion Act (1962) – the basis under which Trump has enacted his controversial tariff regime.
“This week, the UK government should be commended for securing a trade deal with India and now the US. A clear message is being sent to the international community: the UK is a fierce advocate of free and fair trade and a reliable partner with whom to do business,” said Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive at the CBI.
“As one of our largest trading partners, a strong relationship with the US will always be welcomed by business to bolster our mutual competitiveness and kickstart growth. Today’s agreement must pave the way for deeper cooperation, making both of our economies prosper and grow.
“As the dust settles, we need to understand the impacts and work with our allies to extend its reach. The government must also work with business to spell out exactly how it can make the most of the opportunities this deal creates,” said Newton-Smith.
