US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday that he had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling continued engagement between Washington and New Delhi as the two countries navigate ongoing discussions over tariffs and bilateral trade. Both governments have been seeking ways to ease tensions while addressing long-standing issues involving market access, duties, and domestic industry protections.
UK Visit Brings Trade-Related Developments
Trump’s arrival in the United Kingdom was accompanied by a wave of trade-related announcements and policy updates. According to Bloomberg reports, the UK government has chosen to pause discussions with Washington over the removal of tariffs on British steel. This decision means that the current duties on steel imports will remain in place for the time being.
The pause highlights the complexity of ongoing negotiations between London and Washington. While the UK has secured some preferential trade terms with the US in recent months, the steel issue remains unresolved, raising questions about the near-term future of bilateral trade in the sector.
Pharmaceutical Expansion in the US
One of the most notable business announcements tied to Trump’s visit came from British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). On Wednesday, the company revealed it will commit $30 billion toward expanding its research and development presence in the United States.
GSK is currently the largest pharmaceutical company to scale up operations in the US following heightened trade policy signals from the Trump administration. The White House has recently raised the possibility of tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, while also encouraging greater domestic manufacturing of medicines and healthcare-related products. The investment is expected to create new jobs, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the US role in global pharmaceutical production.
Ongoing Trade Talks with China
Elsewhere in Europe, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent continued negotiations with Chinese trade officials during meetings in Spain. Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Bessent expressed confidence that an agreement could soon be reached. He emphasized that while reciprocal tariffs between the US and China are scheduled to take effect in November, both sides are actively pursuing dialogue in hopes of finalizing a deal before the deadline.
Bessent also confirmed that discussions over TikTok remain ongoing. Under current US directives, TikTok faces a September 17 deadline to restructure ownership or risk suspension unless an extension is granted. The Treasury Secretary said he expects a finalized deal will be announced following scheduled talks between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.
Legal Challenges to Tariff Measures
In Washington, trade policy remains under judicial review. The US Supreme Court is currently considering a major case involving Trump’s tariff measures, setting the stage for oral arguments in early November. The legal challenge is focused on the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to justify broad, country-specific tariff measures.
The tariffs in question range from 10% to as high as 50%, depending on the country and product involved. These duties are part of a sweeping framework the Trump administration has rolled out over the course of 2025 to address what it has described as “reciprocal” trade practices.
A lower appeals court had earlier ruled against much of the tariff framework but allowed the duties to remain in place while the case advances. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have significant implications not only for US trade law but also for how future administrations may apply emergency economic powers to shape international commerce.
Broader Implications for Trade Policy
The developments surrounding Trump’s UK visit, India discussions, pharmaceutical industry investment, and ongoing negotiations with China underscore the increasingly complex global trade environment. Businesses are closely monitoring both tariff measures and regulatory shifts, as changes can directly affect pricing, supply chains, and investment strategies.
Economists note that while tariffs are intended to encourage domestic manufacturing and rebalance trade, they also raise costs for companies and consumers. The uncertainty created by ongoing negotiations and legal disputes adds another layer of risk to global supply chains.
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