The government is to unveil a new plan for trade aimed at boosting exports and protecting UK firms at a time of growing uncertainty for businesses following the introduction of US tariffs.
It aims to remove obstacles for UK businesses selling abroad while also bolstering the country’s trade defences to avoid the threat of cheap imports undercutting domestic companies.
Some sectors are concerned that cars and steel originally destined for US markets will be diverted onto UK shores, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs make it significantly more expensive to sell in America.
But Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the UK’s plan would “ensure British businesses are protected from harm”.
The plan will be announced during the annual British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference in London on Thursday.
A unilateral trade strategy could be difficult to achieve – it is a game of international give and take and the plan is more about sharpening offence and defence.
One offence strategy outlined is that there will be more government financial backing for exporters, and help understanding complex trade rules.
But the key part for many is defence, in particular for industries such as steel and cars.
Unlike the EU, the UK has not imposed high tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and current safeguards against cheap steel imports are due to expire in 2026.
An influx of Chinese made cars would make it difficult for UK sellers to compete.
At the conference, the government is expected to announce increased focus on boosting the UK’s export of services, and point to recent successes in signing a free trade agreement with India after years of wrangling.
