We Had a Better US Trade Deal Inside the EU

 From the top table to the floor, Britain’s post-Brexit trade reality.

By Sean Ash 




Trump dropped the deal. Starmer picked it up. If that doesn’t sum up the UK–US dynamic in 2025, what does?


The clip from the G7 said more in three seconds than three years of post-Brexit spin ever could. The UK, once part of the largest trading bloc in the world, is now left literally collecting the paperwork of a bilateral trade deal that doesn’t come close to what we had inside the European Union.


Let’s talk facts. As part of the EU, the UK had access to tariff-free or low-tariff trade with the US across multiple sectors, including cars, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. While the much-hyped TTIP agreement between the EU and US never materialised, many sectors operated under long-standing mutual recognition and regulatory alignment. EU carmakers exporting to the US face just 2.5 percent tariffs. Under this new UK–US deal, British car exports get a so-called win: a reduced 10 percent tariff, but only on the first 100,000 vehicles. After that, it shoots back up to 25 percent. Some victory.


The deal removes tariffs on UK aerospace parts, which is welcome news for firms like Rolls-Royce. But this isn’t unique leverage gained from Brexit. It’s a patch-up job to restore what was disrupted when the UK left the EU and lost its access to broader trade frameworks. For steel and aluminium, tariffs still stand. A quota system is being discussed, but nothing final. In the meantime, UK manufacturers remain exposed while the EU secured its own quota-based exemption back in 2021.


On agriculture, the UK has agreed to allow around 13,000 tonnes of US beef into its market. Meanwhile, the EU, with its larger population and stronger negotiating hand, continues to keep a tight lid on genetically modified products and hormone-treated beef, defending both standards and sovereignty without compromising on trade volume.


As for pharmaceuticals and digital trade, negotiations are ongoing, but the US is eyeing NHS drug pricing and regulatory alignment. That’s the uncomfortable part of bilateral deals. When you’re small and desperate, the other side gets to write more of the terms.


Even the UK government’s own figures tell a sobering story. This new trade agreement with the US is projected to grow UK GDP by a mere 0.2 percent over 15 years. That’s peanuts. Especially when compared to the 4 to 5 percent GDP hit the UK is expected to take from Brexit in the same time frame.


Brexit was sold on the promise of taking back control. Instead, we’ve given it away. In Brussels, we had a seat at the table. In Washington, we’re kneeling to retrieve the deal from the floor.


The European Union still trades with strength, coherence, and standards. The UK, meanwhile, trades with symbolism. A handshake and a camera flash with Trump. A few concessions in exchange for compliance. And the image of our Prime Minister stooping down to pick up America’s deal while Trump stands over him, unmoved, tells you exactly where sovereignty has landed.


It’s on the floor.


🧾 Final Verdict

Across all seven categories, the EU’s trade framework with the US remains stronger, with lower tariffs, larger quotas, broader access, higher trade volumes, and a more positive economic impact. The UK’s post-Brexit deal is narrower, more limited, and less advantageous overall.



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