United States of America Trade Agreement

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

UK-US TRADE AGREEMENT

between the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland,

and

United States of America

[ July, 2005 ]​

Preamble
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereinafter referred to as "the UK") and the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as "the US"), recognizing the importance of strengthening their economic partnership and promoting free and fair trade, hereby enter into this Trade Agreement to facilitate the exchange of goods and services and to enhance cooperation in various sectors.

Article I, Reduction of Customs Duties
The UK and the US agree to a gradual reduction of customs duties on originating goods of the other party. Upon the entry into force of this Agreement, both parties shall reduce customs duties by 50% on originating goods of the other party. Within three years of the entry into force of this Agreement, both parties shall further reduce customs duties by an additional 25%, resulting in a total reduction of 75%. Within five years of the entry into force of this Agreement, no customs duties shall be applied to originating goods traded between the UK and the US.

Article II, Reduction of Technical Barriers to Trade
The UK and the US shall cooperate to reduce technical barriers to trade between the two parties. Both parties will work towards harmonizing standards, regulations, and conformity assessment procedures to facilitate smoother trade flows. Regular consultations will be held to address and resolve any technical barriers that may arise, ensuring a transparent and efficient trade environment.

Article III, Treatment of Services and Service Suppliers
Each Party shall accord to services and service suppliers of the other Party treatment no less favorable than that it accords to its own like services and service suppliers. Both parties shall ensure that any measures affecting trade in services are administered in a reasonable, objective, and impartial manner.

Article IV, Domestic Regulations Affecting Trade in Services
Each Party shall ensure that its domestic regulations affecting trade in services are based on objective and transparent criteria, such as competence and the ability to supply the service. Both parties commit to maintaining regulatory practices that are transparent, predictable, and non-discriminatory.

Article V, Intellectual Property Rights Protection
The UK and the US agree to provide and ensure adequate, effective, and non-discriminatory protection of intellectual property rights. Both parties shall enforce intellectual property rights in a manner that avoids the creation of barriers to legitimate trade.

Article VI, Cooperation on Intellectual Property Rights
The UK and the US shall cooperate on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, including through information exchange and capacity building. Both parties will engage in joint initiatives to enhance understanding and implementation of intellectual property rights, benefiting both parties' innovators and creators.

Article VII, Implementation and Review
A Joint Committee shall be established to oversee the implementation of this Agreement and to facilitate cooperation between the parties. The Joint Committee will meet annually to review progress, address challenges, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. This Agreement shall be reviewed every five years to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

Article VIII, Entry into Force and Duration
This Agreement shall enter into force upon signature by both parties and shall remain in effect for an initial period of ten years, renewable by mutual consent. Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing written notice six months in advance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorised by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done in two originals, July 2005.

For the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Lawrence Adams Jamie

For the United States of America:
President of the United States of America
Benjamin V. Sinclair Odinson

Published by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:
Point of Contact
Address: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, SW1
Telephone: 03700 00 22 44
© Crown Copyright​