US and UK Near Tech, Nuclear and Whisky Deals Ahead of Trump Trip
OpenAI-Nvidia AI infrastructure, small modular reactors, and a Scotch whisky tariff exemption are expected among agreements timed to Donald Trump’s state visit
With President Donald Trump’s state visit to London scheduled for mid-September, the United States and the United Kingdom are pushing to finalise several headline-making deals in technology, nuclear energy, and trade—particularly involving Scotch whisky.
Among the arrangements in late stages is an AI-infrastructure investment led by OpenAI and Nvidia; a regulatory alignment for small modular reactors that could open U.S. markets to UK firms such as Rolls-Royce; and efforts to relieve or exempt Scotch whisky from a 10% U.S. import tariff.
OpenAI’s Stargate AI data centre project, valued around $500 billion globally, is set to expand into the UK with involvement from Nvidia and UK firm Nscale, in Blyth, Northumberland.
The objective is to bolster the UK’s “sovereign AI” capacity as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strategy to make Britain a global competitor in critical technology.
In the nuclear sector, the dialogue includes aligning regulations so that UK nuclear companies can enter U.S. markets.
A Rolls-Royce-led consortium already has UK state backing to build three small reactors domestically.
Companies Centrica and X-energy are also expected to feature in announcements during the state visit.
Trade negotiations are also focused on Scotch whisky.
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and UK officials have pressed for exemption from the 10% tariff on UK whisky exports to the U.S., with whisky leaders viewing this as urgent for preserving industry jobs and trade flows.
The visit is also marked by diplomatic tension.
Lord Peter Mandelson was abruptly dismissed as UK Ambassador to Washington over controversial ties, including with Jeffrey Epstein, raising concerns in some quarters about potential disruption to U.S.-UK tech partnership momentum.
Leading figures from OpenAI and Nvidia are expected to accompany the U.S. delegation, underscoring the importance placed on technology deals.
Although none of the deals are formally announced yet, those involved suggest the UK is presenting the state visit as a platform to demonstrate its growing influence in AI and energy innovation, as well as its ability to secure favorable trade terms in key sectors.
Among the arrangements in late stages is an AI-infrastructure investment led by OpenAI and Nvidia; a regulatory alignment for small modular reactors that could open U.S. markets to UK firms such as Rolls-Royce; and efforts to relieve or exempt Scotch whisky from a 10% U.S. import tariff.
OpenAI’s Stargate AI data centre project, valued around $500 billion globally, is set to expand into the UK with involvement from Nvidia and UK firm Nscale, in Blyth, Northumberland.
The objective is to bolster the UK’s “sovereign AI” capacity as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s strategy to make Britain a global competitor in critical technology.
In the nuclear sector, the dialogue includes aligning regulations so that UK nuclear companies can enter U.S. markets.
A Rolls-Royce-led consortium already has UK state backing to build three small reactors domestically.
Companies Centrica and X-energy are also expected to feature in announcements during the state visit.
Trade negotiations are also focused on Scotch whisky.
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and UK officials have pressed for exemption from the 10% tariff on UK whisky exports to the U.S., with whisky leaders viewing this as urgent for preserving industry jobs and trade flows.
The visit is also marked by diplomatic tension.
Lord Peter Mandelson was abruptly dismissed as UK Ambassador to Washington over controversial ties, including with Jeffrey Epstein, raising concerns in some quarters about potential disruption to U.S.-UK tech partnership momentum.
Leading figures from OpenAI and Nvidia are expected to accompany the U.S. delegation, underscoring the importance placed on technology deals.
Although none of the deals are formally announced yet, those involved suggest the UK is presenting the state visit as a platform to demonstrate its growing influence in AI and energy innovation, as well as its ability to secure favorable trade terms in key sectors.
