The United States is stalling the implementation of a $40 billion technology agreement with Britain, officials said, following concerns in Washington over London’s approach to digital regulation and food standards. The “Tech Prosperity Deal,” covering artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy, was agreed during President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain in September, in a celebration of the countries’ close ties and ability to work together on trade and technology.
Britain became the first country to agree in principle to lower some U.S. tariffs in May, but implementation has been slow. Talks on sectors such as steel stalled, though the two sides agreed a framework pharmaceutical deal earlier this month. British officials confirmed on Tuesday that the U.S. has paused implementation of the tech deal. The New York Times, which first reported the move, said U.S. officials were frustrated by Britain’s online safety rules, digital services tax, and food safety restrictions.
