US Trade Still A UK Priority

10th September 2026

Speaking after attending the 10th UK-US SME Dialogues in Cardiff to discuss trans-Atlantic trade and investment, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers, said:

“Trade and investment links with the US certainly feel stronger than they did a year ago. The US is the largest inward investor in the UK, our largest individual trading partner and largest purchaser of our services.  

“Key themes of yesterday’s sessions were the need for a consistent approach to policy and long-term certainty across industrial sectors, reducing costs and compliance burdens for SMEs, and regulatory co-operation.  

“As 92% of US exporters are SMEs, there are advantages for both sides in realising the full potential of the Economic and Technology Prosperity Deals, agreed last year. 

“These include lower tariffs, stronger market access, and new investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure and construction.”