Global Update: New Trade, New Protocols, New Data
UK - NZ Free Trade Agreement

The UK and New Zealand Prime Ministers reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP)  on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. The AIP must now be negotiated into a treaty, which could take several months. The final FTA is expected to:

  • Lower tariffs on agri-food and motor vehicle exports
  • Establish a new skilled labour mobility scheme with recognition of professional qualifications
  • Create new rules to stimulate green trade
  • Have an ambitious digital trade chapter.
Read the 10 key benefits of the Agreement compiled by the Department of International Trade (DIT).

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, commented: “Business will welcome an Agreement in Principle between the UK and New Zealand covering trade in goods and services.

“We particularly welcome the intention to agree comprehensive chapters on market access, labour mobility and professional qualifications, digital trade, and green goods and services. In the year prior to start of the pandemic, the UK had a £366m surplus in services trade with New Zealand, with particular strengths in insurance, pensions, travel, communications, other financial services and intellectual property. 

“New Zealand-UK trade is currently between £2-3bn per annum. When this agreement is translated into a final free trade agreement it should provide new opportunities for UK exporters as well as resulting in some small falls in the price of New Zealand wine and other goods imports.

“UK road vehicles, pharmaceutical and other manufacturing exporters will welcome these improved trading terms, with cars accounting for a fifth of all UK goods exports to New Zealand. The agreement on green trade also has the potential to set a new benchmark on a commitment to sustainability within free trade agreements globally. 

“We look forward to engaging with the UK Government and the New Zealand Ambassador in the final stages of these negotiations and to giving our views on the draft text at the earliest opportunity.” 


Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland

Negotiations between the UK and EU began in Brussels this week on compliance with the Protocol. They are expected to last several weeks. The European Commission released policy proposals to cut NI border controls and checks last week.


New data shows export recovery remains flat amid disruption to supply chains

A survey of 2,600 UK exporters has revealed that the recovery in export sales has largely stalled in Q3.

Respondents cited issues arising from the supply chain crisis, as well as Brexit related problems, as the main causes of difficulties with export sales. Some said that they had ceased exporting to the EU altogether due to issues such as red tape and delays at borders. Respondents also pointed to the surging cost of shipping as a serious issue, with one firm noting a single container from China rose in cost from £2100 in the previous year to £15000, as well as the shortage of lorry drivers as impacting export sales.

Read the full press release here >


TRAINING COURSES

Customs Procedures and Documentation
Tuesday 26 November, 10.00am-2.30pm

This course looks at the procedures required to deal with customs.

Incoterms 2020
Tuesday 2 November, 10.00am-2.30pm

Incoterms ® and their importance in international trade contracts will be explained during this course.

Step by Step Understanding a Customs Declaration
Tuesday 9 November, 10.00am-2.30pm

This training will highlight what you need to know to complete customs declarations accurately and efficiently both import and export of goods, including taking you through step-by-step guidance on completing the SAD C88 form.

An introduction to IPAFFS
Tuesday 16 November, 9.30am-12.30pm

This course will provide the knowledge to successfully import live animals, their products and germplasm.


Expo Europa 2021
19-22 October

The British Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce invite you to visit Expo Europa 2021 online for free.

It’s an opportunity to expand your business to the Latin American market.

Register here > 
Contact the Chamber

01223 237414 •  chamber@cambscci.co.uk
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH
www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk