US trade czar Tai ‘to discuss trade deal with UK next week’

This combo photo shows US Trade Representative Katherine Tai (left) and UK's Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss. (PHOTOS / AFP)

Newly confirmed US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will speak with her British counterpart, Secretary Liz Truss, next week to further talks on a possible trade agreement.

The call between Tai and Truss will likely happen Monday, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the plans are private.

The call comes shortly after a recent boost to transatlantic ties, with the suspension of tariffs on many products related to a dispute over illegal aircraft subsidies

Tai’s appointment, confirmed by the Senate this week, gives fresh impetus to the talks, which were effectively paused during the transition from the Trump administration.

ALSO READ: UK and US exchanged tariff offers during trade talks

A trade deal with the US would be a major prize for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is seeking to deepen economic relationships globally following the UK’s split from the European Union. The call comes shortly after a recent boost to transatlantic ties, with the suspension of tariffs on many products related to a dispute over illegal aircraft subsidies.

Truss has said the bulk of a trade pact with the US is already agreed and would boost both countries’ respective recoveries from the coronavirus pandemic. It is unclear whether President Joe Biden’s team will want to revisit chapters of the trade text, given they were negotiated under the Trump administration.

READ MORE: US, UK launch trade talks, pledge quick deal amid virus

Neither the UK’s Department for International Trade nor a spokesman from the office of the US Trade Representative immediately responded to requests for comment.

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