Trump confirms 'major trade deal' with UK

(The Hill) -- President Donald Trump confirmed early Thursday his plans to announce a “major trade deal” with the United Kingdom — the first one since his latest tariff rollout left global markets reeling.

The president described the forthcoming agreement as "full and comprehensive," and signaled it would be the first of many deals to come with foreign trading partners as the Trump administration grapples with an unstable economy amid the trade war.

“The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come,” Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social.

“Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement," he continued. "Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”

Trump said he would make the announcement at 10 a.m. EDT from the Oval Office.

The president teased a trade deal Wednesday evening without specifying the other nation involved. He said at the time that there would be a press conference “concerning a MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!”

The Trump administration unveiled sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, levying a 10 percent baseline import tax against nearly all other nations. Higher reciprocal tariffs were also imposed on dozens of countries — but those are currently on a 90-day pause, leaving room for negotiations, with the exception of China.

The UK did not face reciprocal individualized tariffs but was still subject to the 25-percent tariff the administration implemented on automobiles, steel and aluminum imports. London did not respond with reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports, as many other countries have.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer — who met with Trump at the White House earlier this year — also hinted at the forthcoming trade announcement with the U.S. in a speech on Thursday.

“As you know, talks with the US have been ongoing — and you’ll hear more about that later today. But make no mistake — I will always act in our national interest," he said.