Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was optimistic the UK and the United States could strike a trade agreement to ease the burden of President Donald Trump's import tariffs.
In remarks to an American television outlet, Reeves said the goal was to reduce trade barriers without compromising on standards, particularly in areas such as food.
She stressed the strength of the UK-US relationship across defence, security and economic cooperation as a basis for reaching a deal.
Reeves, in Washington for the IMF and World Bank spring meetings, is expected to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.
She also acknowledged American concerns over persistent trade imbalances with China, a view she said the UK shares.