LONDON

The UK government Friday reiterated its commitment to strengthening international trade ties, particularly with the US, after the latest economic figures showed a stronger-than-expected recovery.

Rachel Reeves, the UK’s Treasury chief, highlighted the need for a favorable trade deal with the US after President Donald Trump unilaterally imposed a 10% tariff on UK goods.

Speaking to broadcasters in the wake of February’s GDP data, Reeves stressed that the government remains focused on driving long-term growth across the country.

"It is welcome news that the economy grew strongly in February and, of course, the numbers as well for January were revised up,” she said. “But we do know that we need to go further and faster on delivering growth that is felt by families up and down the country.”

She emphasized that the Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is "resolved to do everything we can" to secure better trading relationships globally, with the US high on the priority list.

"But, at the same time, we also want to improve trading relations with other countries around the world. It’s why I hosted the Indian finance minister in London this week as part of our economic and financial dialogue, and to try and secure a free trade and investment treaty with India," she said.

The remarks come as the UK economy recorded a 0.5% rise in GDP for February, beating analysts' expectations and suggesting early signs of a broader recovery.