The Government commits to protect current trading relationships, keep prices in check and help build our trading partners of the future. As Brexit is drawing closer many are worried about what it might mean for trading in the EU. Much of the UK fishing industry is dependant on the smooth customs-free exporting of fish and shellfish products to the EU. It is currently unclear how much this may be affected as much of it depends on if the UK Government can reach a fair trading deal with the EU.
The Government claim that they will use Brexit to cement Britain’s standing in the world and meet our commitments to the world’s poorest by securing their existing duty-free access to UK markets and providing new opportunities to increase trade links.
The commitment means that around 48 countries across the globe, from Bangladesh to Sierra Leone, Haiti, and Ethiopia will continue to benefit from duty-free exports into the UK on all goods other than arms and ammunition, known as ‘everything but arms’. The ammo options for licensed gun users in the UK may be affected post-Brexit, especially as some US sellers of ammo (which some gun owners rely on) are changing their policies on the selling of ammunition. It is unknown if the ‘everything but arms’ duty-free policy will change in the future. The best take from this news is that the UK may be able to get much-needed imports such as food from these countries.
On leaving the EU, the UK Government will also explore options to expand on relationships with developing countries such as Jamaica, Pakistan, and Ghana – all of which currently benefit from a mixture of reduced or zero tariffs on the goods they export to the UK – as well as maintaining existing trading arrangements and avoiding costly tariffs.
