The United States has put on hold a technology cooperation deal with Britain that aimed to deepen collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and civil nuclear energy. The move was first reported by the Financial Times and later confirmed by British officials, according to Reuters.
Trade disputes spill into tech cooperation
British sources told the Financial Times that Washington suspended the agreement last week. The pause appears linked to broader trade negotiations, with President Donald Trump’s administration pressing London for concessions beyond the scope of the technology partnership. US officials have grown frustrated with what they see as Britain’s reluctance to ease so-called non-tariff barriers, including regulatory rules affecting food products and industrial goods.
Reuters noted that it could not independently verify the report. Neither the White House nor the British government responded immediately to requests for comment.
The suspended arrangement stems from a deal announced in September, during Trump’s visit to Britain, when both sides unveiled what they called a “Tech Prosperity Deal.” At the time, leaders said the pact would strengthen cooperation in cutting-edge technologies and reinforce the broader economic relationship.
The setback comes despite the depth of US-UK commercial ties. The United States remains Britain’s largest trading partner, and American technology firms have already invested billions of dollars across the UK. For now, however, the pause signals that even strategic tech cooperation may hinge on progress in wider trade talks.