Reports Post-Brexit Trade: Options for continued and improved market access arrangements for developing countries

Reports
READING TIME 15 mins

Post-Brexit Trade: Options for continued and improved market access arrangements for developing countries

The outcome of the referendum on Britain’s
membership of the European Union (EU) and the
prospective departure of the UK from the EU has
created significant uncertainty.

There are a number of substantial challenges for the
government to address. Priority tasks include: the
need to create the capacity to handle legally complex
and politically sensitive negotiations with the EU on
the terms of the UK withdrawal; the need to establish
the UK’s default trading positions and define its new
World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments;
and the need to establish a new trading relationship
with the EU whilst maintaining functioning political
relationships with EU countries and fostering goodwill
amongst the wider international community.

The uncertainty around Brexit is not only a challenge
for the UK but also for trading partners in developing
countries. The UK is a significant export destination
for some developing countries with imports valuing
£34 billion each year from 116 of the world’s poorest
countries via EU agreements. As a member of the
EU Customs Union the UK applies the EU tariff
schedule to imports entering the UK. This includes
the application of preferential terms to developing
countries.

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