The Trump administration will urge allies including the UK to help shore up supply chains for quantum computing, following a stand-off over implementing a bilateral technology deal. At a London meeting, a US delegation led by chief technology officer Ethan Klein will push for closer co-operation to address vulnerabilities in semiconductor manufacturing and rare earths. Klein noted critical nodes of the quantum supply chain come from Europe, stating the US wants to align policies and harmonise efforts with partners who recognise quantum's importance.

This renewed push follows the US last year suspending the US-UK 'technology prosperity deal' announced during Trump's state visit, after pushing for UK concessions on non-tariff barriers like food and industrial goods regulations. The timing aligns with surging valuations of private and listed quantum companies, including D-Wave's breakthrough towards practical quantum computing after 25 years and IonQ's $1.1bn acquisition of Oxford Ionics. The UK's £1bn pledge to purchase quantum computers underscores the field's rapid maturation from research to commercialisation.

The US government aims to support a domestic quantum industrial base while securing supply chains outside American borders, where expertise resides.