Britain's business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds travels to Washington on Tuesday to meet his US counterparts in the hope of strengthening economic ties, as US President Donald Trump continues to target long-standing allies with tariffs.

Reynolds is due to meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Britain's Department of Business and Trade said.

London said last week it was disappointed with Trump's decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports but did not follow the European Union in retaliating.

READ MORE: ‘No guarantees’ of no recession under Trump, says US treasury secretary

Trump on Monday said he had no intention of creating exemptions.

Reynolds has previously talked of positive initial exchanges with US administration officials. Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month appeared with Trump at a White House meeting that was cordial in tone - in contrast to other world leaders.

"Today's visit to Washington, D.C. is the latest step in our pragmatic and positive engagement with the new administration to agree a wider economic deal in both our interests," Reynolds said in a statement.

"The UK and US share a fair and balanced relationship, one that has benefited both sides for many decades, and we will both benefit as we strengthen this relationship further."

ALSO READ: Tariffs expected to take a toll on US youths' health

Imports and exports of goods and services between Britain and the US totaled $317 billion in 2023, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis said, making Britain the fifth-biggest US trade partner after Canada, Mexico, China and Germany.

The United States is Britain's single biggest national trade partner, although the UK trades far more with the 27 members of the European Union as a bloc.