US Suspends Technology Deal with Britain Amid Trade Disputes, Financial Times Reports
In a recent development reported by the Financial Times on December 15, 2025, the United States has suspended a technology partnership agreement with the United Kingdom that was originally established earlier this year. The deal, known as the "Tech Prosperity Deal," was designed to enhance bilateral cooperation in key advanced technology sectors including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy.
The suspension of the agreement was confirmed by British officials late last week, marking a significant setback in the special relationship between the two nations. According to the Financial Times, the Trump administration has linked the continuation of this technology partnership to broader trade negotiations, pressing Britain to make concessions on trade issues separate from the tech deal itself.
US officials reportedly grew more frustrated with Britain’s reluctance to tackle so-called non-tariff barriers—complex rules and regulations that impact the trade of food products and industrial goods. These regulatory challenges have become a sticking point, complicating efforts to advance a more comprehensive trade arrangement between the countries.
Despite the suspension, a spokesperson for the UK government emphasized that the underlying relationship with the United States remains strong. “Our special relationship with the US remains strong and the UK is firmly committed to ensuring the Tech Prosperity Deal delivers opportunity for hardworking people in both countries,” the spokesperson said.
The original agreement was struck during President Donald Trump’s visit to Britain in September 2025 and was hailed as a step forward to deepen technological collaboration and economic ties. The United States is the UK’s largest trading partner, with American technology firms having invested billions of dollars within the UK, underscoring the importance of the partnership for both economies.
At the time of publication, the White House had not responded to requests for comment on the ongoing dispute.
This development highlights the complexities of modern trade and technology agreements, where cooperation in emerging fields like AI and quantum computing can be influenced by broader political and economic considerations. The future of the Tech Prosperity Deal will likely depend on the progress of wider trade discussions between the US and UK in the coming months.
