British prime minister makes push for US-UK trade deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May made a push on Friday for a trade agreement with the United States during a visit to the White House.

May stressed the importance of the economic relationship between the long-time allies and the $1 trillion that the nations have invested in each other’s economies.

{mosads}“We are discussing how we can establish a trade negotiation agreement, take forward immediate high-level talks, and lay the groundwork for a U.S.-U.K. trade agreement,” May told reporters during a joint press conference in Washington.

She said that there are some practical steps that both governments can take “now in order to enable companies in both countries to trade and do business with one another more easily.”

“And I’m convinced that a trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K. is in the national interest of both countries and will cement the crucial relationship that exists between us, particularly as the U.K. leaves the European Union and reaches out to the world.”

President Trump, who didn’t comment on a potential trade deal during the press conference, has said he wants to ink a deal with Britain.  

But the United Kingdom must first complete negotiations to leave the European Union first before it can sign any new trade agreements.

That process is expected to begin in March and could take upward of two years to complete.

The U.S. and the U.K. can work toward an agreement along the sidelines of the EU exit so they are prepared to move within a few months of completing those Brexit talks.

Even with the completion of negotiations at least two years away, the stakes are high for Trump and May, who want to strengthen their ties while fulfilling individual promises to their nations.

May needs to ensure that Britain’s economy can expand amid the uncertainty of Brexit, while Trump must show he can negotiate good trade agreements that help U.S. workers, a major campaign promise.