US Trade Rep Says Washington Will Honour Tariff Deals with UK and Partners

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The United States has insisted it will honour existing tariff agreements it has struck with major trading partners — including the United Kingdom — even as President Donald Trump moves ahead with a new global tariff regime following a major legal challenge. Senior US trade officials are seeking to reassure international partners that these deals remain in force, amid fresh uncertainty in global markets.

The comments from US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer come after a recent US Supreme Court ruling struck down much of the Trump administration’s previous tariff policy, which relied on emergency powers. In response, the administration announced a 15% global import tariff — separate from the bilateral deals negotiated with about 20 countries over the past year. Greer stressed that existing agreements with the UK, the EU, Japan and other economies are still recognised and expected to be upheld.

Greer told CBS News that no partner has told Washington it plans to withdraw from its tariff deals, and officials are continuing active talks to clarify how existing arrangements will be implemented amid the policy shift. “I haven’t heard anyone yet come to me and say the deal is off,” he said, underscoring an ongoing diplomatic effort to maintain confidence in US trade commitments.

The assurances are important for British business leaders and UK officials, who have expressed concerns about the impact of tariff changes on exporters. A UK minister said the government is seeking the “best possible deal” for British companies as Washington’s broader tariff strategy evolves, and reiterated expectations that preferential terms agreed last year will continue despite legal and political upheaval.

However, economic commentators warn that Trump’s new 15% global tariff, introduced after the court decision, could still affect trade flows if partners do not receive clarity on how exemptions and existing deals will be respected in practice. Early analysis suggests the UK may face higher overall tariff exposure compared with previous arrangements, and business groups have urged rapid diplomatic engagement to protect exporters.

The situation reflects broader strains in global trade policy, with both allies and rivals closely watching how Washington balances unilateral tariff action with the need to keep bilateral trade commitments intact. As negotiations continue, US officials emphasise that they remain committed to preserving negotiated tariff frameworks while pursuing new legal mechanisms for future tariff actions.

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