London, Sept 4 (V7N) – White House Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has told the UK that despite Brexit, it is choosing "Brussels over America," a stance he says poses "a problem" for Britain's goal of expanding a trade deal struck with President Donald Trump's administration last year .

Asked whether the UK was using the "freedom" afforded by its departure from the European Union, Greer told the Financial Times: "No, they're not". He explained that in conversations with UK officials, he has urged them to liberalise and accept goods made to American standards, particularly agricultural goods. He claims the UK responds, "Well, we have to wait and see what the EU says about it," a response he described as "challenging" and "a problem for us" .

Greer's comments come as new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is eager to build on his predecessor Keir Starmer's efforts to forge closer post-Brexit cooperation with the European Union . Burnham told parliament this week that Brexit had contributed to sluggish UK economic growth .

The US and UK announced a trade deal in May 2025, which was hailed as a "breakthrough" . It saw Washington lower tariffs on British luxury cars, steel, and aluminium in exchange for increased access for US agricultural products, including beef and ethanol . However, a 10 percent tariff on most British goods has left the UK facing a tougher trading relationship than before Trump's presidency .

The UK is now poised to sign a deal with the EU that would remove border checks on UK food and drink exports to the bloc. This would require Britain to comply with strict EU food standards that Washington has long regarded as protectionist. The deal would also effectively block the UK from importing US products, such as chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-raised beef, which are barred from the EU .

Greer highlighted agriculture as a major sticking point. He noted that "the UK has had free access into the US agricultural market, where we've had very limited access on the US side into the UK agricultural market" . He also criticised the UK's tariffs, stating that despite claiming to be a "bastion of free trade," it still has "pretty high tariffs on the US in certain sectors" .

Despite the friction, Greer described his relationship with UK business secretary Jonathan Reynolds as "good" and the existing trade deal as a "good early harvest" that has been beneficial to both sides .

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