Portman leads senators in urging swift, comprehensive trade deal between U.S., UK

In light of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must prioritize a comprehensive trade agreement with the country, wrote U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) in a Feb. 14 letter sent to the USTR.

“A trade agreement would reaffirm our longstanding alliance and demonstrate the vital role that trade agreements play in strengthening important strategic relationships,” wrote Sen. Portman, co-chair and co-founder of the Senate UK Trade Caucus, and 18 other senators. “We believe a U.S.-UK trade agreement should be a priority.”

Among the members joining Sen. Portman in signing the letter to USTR Robert Lighthizer were U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Burr (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). Chris Coons (D-DE), who co-chairs the caucus with Portman, also signed the letter.

Sen. Portman and his colleagues urged quick action “because the UK has the greatest freedom of action now — it is in the interest of the United States to act before the European Union does.”

“Prioritizing these negotiations will ensure American workers, farmers and service providers have the best possible chance at earning new access to U.K. markets,” they wrote.

Sen. Portman and the other senators also think that a U.S.-UK trade agreement should be a comprehensive deal, which they said “can deliver the most benefit for everyone, such as lower tariffs, agricultural market access, and a mutually agreeable tax treatment for digital services.”

Such a comprehensive agreement, they added, is the only way to fulfill Congress’ Trade Promotion Authority negotiating objectives and consultation requirements.

“In addition to consulting with Congress, we ask you and your team to consult with industry, labor, environment, and other stakeholders throughout the U.S.-UK trade agreement negotiations,” the letter said.