Oliver Christian, the British trade commissioner for North America, embarked on his new role on April 2, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s announcement of his global tariff strategy, which he termed ‘Liberation Day.’
Christian’s initial days in the country have been eventful, buzzing with activity as he navigates the complexities of international trade relations.
On a recent visit to Philadelphia, Christian toured significant landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and engaged with the local business community at a networking event hosted by the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia.
This visit followed the signing of a pivotal trade deal between the UK and the U.S. on May 8, marking a significant step in fostering economic ties.
‘We are confident about our relationship with the American administration in D.C. and the president,’ Christian remarked regarding the implications of the new agreement.
A crucial area of focus for Pennsylvania businesses is the tariff situation surrounding the pharmaceutical industry.
Christian acknowledged the need for mutual agreements on pharmaceutical tariffs, highlighting that in 2024, Pennsylvania imported $1.15 billion in pharmaceutical products from the U.K. while exporting $443 million back to the U.K.
The role of companies like GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is central to this discussion.
With a substantial presence in Pennsylvania, GSK operates biotechnology research and manufacturing facilities in Philadelphia and Durham, North Carolina, and is currently investing $800 million in Lancaster County to establish a vaccine production facility.
In return for their investment, GSK anticipates receiving $21 million in state grants alongside local property tax relief.
This manufacturing deal was announced before the implementation of Trump’s tariffs on global imports, placing it in a unique context.
Pennsylvania boasts a robust economic relationship with the U.K., with around 850 U.K.-based companies employing 55,000 individuals across the commonwealth.
Christian noted the strong supply chain interlinking the U.K. and Pennsylvania, with the U.K. being the fourth-largest export market for the state’s companies.
Major investments highlight this interconnectedness, such as the recent announcement from Vishay Intertechnology in March, which laid out plans to invest $337 million into the Newport Wafer Fab, the largest semiconductor plant in the U.K.
This investment aims to support the burgeoning electric vehicle market in the U.K.
In another significant move, Philadelphia-based Comcast declared its intent to develop a Universal theme park and a 500-room resort near London.
Despite the uncertainty that sweeping tariffs can instigate, Christian expressed a level of optimism.
‘When there are changes on a global scale, there is always the opportunity for concern,’ he stated, ‘but the recent trade deal has alleviated some of that uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.’
Christian’s visit accentuates the ongoing commitment to enhancing trade relations while addressing the challenges that come with significant policy changes.
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