techUK and ITI: U.S.-UK Trade Deal Can Set Global Tech Agenda

Following the pivotal announcement of a trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, global tech trade association ITI and UK trade association techUK issued a joint statement offering detailed recommendations on how the two governments can now build on this deal to secure strong tech-focused trade outcomes.

As negotiations conclude in the coming weeks, ITI and techUK made clear that policymakers should seize this prime opportunity to secure strong provisions that boost the tech innovation economy between the world’s leading exporters of digitally delivered services.

“Meaningful and comprehensive trade deals with likeminded allies are crucial for fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing leadership. For the first trade agreement of President Trump’s second term, the U.S. and UK have the chance not only to build on an already strong and balanced bilateral trade relationship, but to set the global tech agenda through agile, pro-innovation policy and a deeper commitment to international and multilateral engagement,” “The global tech industry encourages policymakers to bring the tech sector to the table as it reaches a balanced and forward-looking agreement that secures digital trade, supply chain, data, and tech leadership outcomes that contribute to economic and national security as soon as possible.”

Jason Oxman

President and CEO, ITI

“The opportunity before us is not simply to deepen trade ties, but to jointly shape the architecture of the global digital economy. A UK-US economic partnership grounded in technological cooperation can serve as the foundation for trusted data flows, regulatory cooperation, and resilient, innovation-led growth. At the heart of this must be a shared commitment to embedding emerging technologies - from AI to quantum - into the fabric of our economic relationship,” “By anchoring this agreement in digital excellence and strategic foresight, we can ensure that both nations remain at the forefront of tech innovation. techUK stands ready to support the delivery of an ambitious, future-proofed framework that reflects our shared democratic values and positions technology as the cornerstone of long-term prosperity and security.”

Julian David OBE

CEO, techUK

“A future-facing UK-US economic partnership must reflect the full scope of our shared ambition: to shape the rules, values, and norms of the global digital economy. This agreement should include comprehensive and binding trade commitments and should also go beyond a traditional trade deal. It must serve as a framework for prosperity, technological progress, and resilient democratic leadership. By acting together, the UK and US can define the next era of digital commerce, anchored in trust, openness, innovation, and security,”

Joint statement

ITI and techUK

Joint Statement by ITI and techUK: Building the Gold Standard for a 21st Century UK-US Economic Partnership

As the representatives of the United Kingdom and United States technology and innovation sectors, our trade associations jointly affirm our strong support for the development of a transformative UK-US Economic Partnership Agreement. We envision an ambitious, forward- looking framework that not only solidifies our existing alliance but establishes the global benchmark for digital trade, technological governance, and economic security.

Together, the UK and US are the world’s leading exporters of digitally delivered services, underpinned by dynamic innovation ecosystems and shared democratic values. We believe now is the time to craft a “gold standard” bilateral agreement - one that serves as a model for fair, secure, and trusted digital commerce and technological cooperation in the 21st century.

A Shared Vision for Digital Trade

We call on both governments to pursue a binding, high-standard digital trade agreement that ensures:

  • Unimpeded Cross-Border Data Flows: The UK-US Data Bridge is a critical foundation. Future agreements must strengthen this by banning data localisation mandates and future-proofing existing open data flows arrangements, including through the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules Forum.
  • Regulatory Interoperability: Cooperating on our data and digital governance frameworks so that they remain risk-based, proportionate and targeted, and deepening bilateral cooperation on AI and emerging tech will deliver greater predictability, reduce compliance burdens and support innovation and growth in both markets.
  • Non-Discrimination and Fair Market Access: Commitments to non-discriminatory treatment of digital goods and services as well as a ban on customs duties for electronic transmissions are essential.
  • Cybersecurity and Trust: We urge mutual recognition of cybersecurity certifications, strong end-to-end encryption protections, and joint threat intelligence sharing. These steps are critical to securing our digital infrastructure and enabling trusted networks and digital services.

Joint Leadership in AI and Critical Technologies

Our two nations are uniquely positioned to lead in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductors. We recommend that the UK-US agreement:

  • Embed AI and Quantum as Trade Enablers: Enshrine the principles of non-discrimination for AI-enabled services and promote transparent, risk-based governance frameworks, in line with G7 principles and bilateral AI Security Institutes collaboration.
  • Advance R&D Collaboration: Formalise partnerships between UK AIRR and NAIRR and expand access to compute infrastructure and diverse public datasets for innovators on both sides of the Atlantic.
  • Drive Skills Development: Establish a UK-US Digital and AI Workforce Exchange to enhance mobility, develop shared training resources, and address transatlantic talent gaps in emerging technologies.
  • Support Infrastructure and Energy for Innovation: Launch a Strategic AI Energy Dialogue focused on sustainable energy supply, including nuclear and SMR technologies, to meet the rising demands of advanced computing.

Promoting Economic Security and Global Stability

In a time of heightened geopolitical risk, our alliance must safeguard both resilience and openness. We call for:

  • Aligned Investment Screening and Export Controls: A joint mechanism to scope and coordinate targeted policies will enhance security while minimising unnecessary disruption to legitimate business activities.
  • Secure and Resilient Supply Chains: Prioritise bilateral agreements on critical minerals and semiconductors, and implement shared transparency standards for ICT procurement.
  • Global Standards and Multilateral Reengagement: Establish a UK-US strategic tech standards dialogue to promote coordinated leadership in global standard-setting bodies and encourage the US’s re-engagement in WTO e-commerce negotiations to uphold open digital trade.

Conclusion: A Model for Democratic Digital Partnership

A future-facing UK-US economic partnership must reflect the full scope of our shared ambition: to shape the rules, values, and norms of the global digital economy. This agreement should include comprehensive and binding trade commitments and should also go beyond a traditional trade deal. It must serve as a framework for prosperity, technological progress, and resilient democratic leadership.

By acting together, the UK and US can define the next era of digital commerce, anchored in trust, openness, innovation, and security. We are committed to working in partnership with both governments to realise this vision and deliver a durable, mutually beneficial, and globally relevant agreement for the 21st century.


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