New agreements could reshape bilateral trade, tech infrastructure, and energy policy amid tariff talks
The United States and the United Kingdom are set to announce major agreements in technology and civil nuclear energy during President Donald Trump’s second state visit. The deals, which include U.S. investment in data centres and a civil nuclear deal, signal deepening cooperation even as discussions over steel and aluminium tariffs remain unresolved.
Key Deal Highlights
- Over £1.25 billion in U.S. investment is expected, including from firms such as PayPal, Bank of America, Nvidia, and OpenAI. CoreWeave is also lining up announcements.
- The UK and U.S. will formalize a "world-leading tech partnership" and a “major civil nuclear deal.”
- Part of the agenda includes finalizing steel and aluminium tariff rate reductions under broader trade deal frameworks.
- Tech & Infrastructure Stocks: Companies involved in AI, cloud computing, and data infrastructure may benefit from these investment announcements and favourable regulation, potentially boosting valuations.
- Energy Sector: The civil nuclear deal will likely drive demand for nuclear technology firms, reactor components, and related supply chains, especially as the UK accelerates its nuclear power expansion.
- Trade & Tariff Sentiment: Markets will watch closely how tariff reductions for steel and aluminium are negotiated; any misstep could introduce uncertainty for companies relying on metals input, raising cost risk.
- Currency & Investment Flows: The UK’s attractiveness for U.S. capital may strengthen the pound if investor confidence increases. There may also be spillover effects into European investment sentiment.
Risks & Watchpoints
- Regulatory & Approval Delays: Nuclear deals often require extended licensing, safety approvals, and regulatory cooperation; any delays could push back returns.
- Energy Pricing Pressure: Accelerated demand for energy infrastructure could strain supply, possibly increasing energy costs in the short term.
- Trade Friction: While tariff talks are underway, opposing political or lobbying forces on either side could complicate or even reverse parts of agreements.
In summary, the tech and energy deals between the UK and U.S. during Trump’s visit mark a strategic strengthening of bilateral ties. Beyond symbolism, these agreements carry real market consequences, from infrastructure investment and energy policy to trade and investor sentiment. The core theme: the fusion of tech, energy, and trade in this visit could reshape not just bilateral relations, but also industry trajectories and financial flows.