Export Working Party Archive

Talks for a new free-trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and Mexico were launched on Friday 20 May in London with International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevalyan and her Mexican counterpart, Tatiana Clouthier. The trade deal is an opportunity to secure an 'enhanced FTA for a digital age, which supports hi-tech jobs, industries of the future and grows our economy'. Mexico…

The UK Government has this week introduced a new bill, which will help bring into force the Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the UK’s first independently negotiated FTAs in more than 50 years. The UK signed the Australia FTA in December last year and the New Zealand FTA in February. The Department for International Trade says that…

The UK has started work for a new enhanced trade deal with Switzerland following talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Swiss President Ignazio Cassis. The enhanced deal aims to boost two-way trade between two of the world’s biggest services superpowers through measures including breaking down barriers and opening up access for U.K. firms to the Swiss market. Switzerland is…

The Department for Transport announced previously a temporarily relaxation of drivers’ hours rules from 9 April to 8 May 2022. This was in response to urgent situations including arising from the cancellation of P&O Ferries and congestion for international freight traffic. However, the situation has now improved. In light of this, the Department for Transport is terminating the relaxation early…

The Department for International Trade is organising a UK Healthcare Trade Mission to Bahrain to: Showcase key healthcare projects in Bahrain, with a particular focus on infrastructure and new hospital builds. Establish introductions to key Bahraini investors with the potential to unlock commercial opportunities for the UK supply chain. Promote the UK as a partner of choice in the Healthcare…

The Department for International Trade is organising a UK Healthcare Trade Mission to Jordan to: • Promote UK Healthcare products and services showcasing the UK’s excellence. • Explore trade opportunities and business partnerships. • Establish local business relationships with decision makers, potential clients and partners. Background Jordan’s Healthcare Sector is one of the most developed in the Middle East Region.…

The Department for International Trade has announced the start of negotiations with Canada on an updated Free Trade Agreement. Building on the benefits of the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement, the new Free Trade Agreement will go further in areas like innovation, digital, data, the environment and women’s economic empowerment. The UK is Canada’s third largest trading partner and Canadian demand…

Two international agreements have been signed off on over the past fortnight by the UK Government. These are a digital free trade deal between UK and Singapore, and a free trade agreement between UK and New Zealand. UK and Singapore sign a pioneering digital trade agreement The first was a far-reaching Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) with Singapore, which will help…

Joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc is one step closer as the UK moves into the second phase of accession talks In the early hours of this morning, it was confirmed that the UK can move into the second phase of negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free trade area worth £8.4…

On 7 February 2022, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and HM Treasury published a call for evidence on GOV.UK seeking views on how their teams can improve the UK’s customs system as part of the government’s vision for the UK border to be the most effective in the world by simplifying processes for traders and embracing innovation. The call for…