ISTANBUL

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the US and UK have finalized a "full and comprehensive" trade deal, the first such agreement since his administration imposed widespread tariffs earlier this year.

Trump described the agreement as a milestone that would "cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come," highlighting the historic alliance between the two nations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the significance of choosing the UK for his administration's first major trade announcement over "historic ties," noting that "many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation," would follow.

While specific details are still unknown, more information is expected to be released during a media conference at the Oval Office at 10 a.m. US Eastern time (1400GMT).

The president characterized the upcoming announcement as "a very big and exciting day for the United States of America and the United Kingdom."

The announcement follows Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent statements, which indicated that the administration is currently in trade negotiations with 17 major trading partners.

Bessent expressed confidence that the majority of these agreements could be completed rapidly, saying: "I would be surprised if we don't have more than 80% or 90% of those wrapped up by the end of the year," adding that some deals might be announced "as early as this week."