US Trade Representative Sees British EU Ties as a “Problem”

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says Britain is still choosing Brussels over Washington in trade, despite leaving the European Union.

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Brussels instead of America.

“Brussels instead of America,” Greer told the Financial Times, describing Britain’s approach to trade. “They know that this is a problem for us and that it poses a challenge.”

Greer said Britain continues to follow EU trade rules even though Brexit means it is no longer bound by them. He also claimed that British markets remain closed to American goods and that tariffs on US products are still “pretty high.”

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They know that this is a problem for us and that it poses a challenge.

The US official said British ministers often point to necessary arrangements with the European Union when he presses them to loosen rules for American imports, including agricultural products made to US standards. Last year, Britain reached an agreement with the United States after Donald Trump threatened high tariffs. The deal included greater British imports of US agricultural products.

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People see that we need to work more closely together.

Greer’s remarks come as signs grow that Britain’s government is seeking closer ties with EU countries. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said this week that “people see that we need to work more closely together” and blamed Brexit for the country’s weak economic growth in a speech to Parliament. During a visit to London, French President Emmanuel Macron said Britain and France remained “open to talks on all issues,” including a “new beginning between Britain and the United Kingdom.” A major UK-EU summit is scheduled for this year.

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Open to talks on all issues.