Business expert shares predictions on what the return of Donald Trump could mean for UK and US investment

James Disney-May, a British businessman and investor, said he believes Trump’s victory presents risks and opportunities for those who specialize in UK-U.S. investment. The concerns come from Trump’s proposed economic policy while on the campaign trail

Donald Trump’s Election Day victory is drawing concerns about the future of the global economy.

James Disney-May, a British businessman and investor, said he believes Trump’s victory presents risks and opportunities for those who specialize in UK-U.S. investment. The biggest concerns come from Trump’s proposed economic policy while on the campaign trail.

Trump ran on higher import tariffs, especially on Chinese goods, additional tax cuts, and an immigration clampdown. Experts believe these actions could provide a short-term lift to the U.S. economy, but they could complicate wider global relationships.

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Disney-May has predicts that Trump’s “America First” approach could affect UK/U.S. trade in favor of American interests.

Disney-May has predicts that Trump’s “America First” approach could affect UK/U.S. trade in favor of American interests. He says that UK investors should prepare for and strategize around new tariffs and sector-specific trade frictions.

Disney-May says that Trump’s preference for foreign businesses with a U.S. presence could benefit UK companies willing to establish local operations in the states, possibly gaining smoother regulatory pathways and preferential trade terms.

He also said Trump’s deregulation initiatives could reduce regulatory burdens and promote capital growth. “The UK’s financial services sector, which is vital to its economy, may find short-term opportunities in the US market, however increased volatility poses long-term risks,” Disney-May said. “UK financial institutions may need to adjust their strategies to align with the evolving US regulatory landscape, particularly in areas such as cryptocurrency, data privacy, and financial disclosures.”

Trump’s focus on tech independence and data regulation could lead to stricter rules on cross-border tech operations. But alignment between the U.S. and UK on emerging technology initiatives, such as AI and cybersecurity, can possibly create new opportunities for UK tech firms with specialized expertise, according to Disney-May.

Trump’s proposed tax cuts and deregulatory push could strengthen the US dollar, therefore making American assets more expensive for UK investors and straining British companies reliant on US imports. “Those with dollar-heavy portfolios may need to hedge against currency fluctuations, re-evaluating acquisition costs and profitability,” Disney-May advised.

But a stronger dollar may actually benefit UK-based exporters by making British goods more competitive in the US market, and UK investors with U.S. interests might have to adjust their currency strategies to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

Trump’s tough stance on China might pressure the UK to align more closely with the US, reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains. “For UK businesses willing to decouple from China, Trump’s policies may bring preferential trade arrangements with the US, solidifying the “special relationship” as global geopolitics evolve” Disney-May said.