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On his recent visit to London United States National Security Adviser John Bolton met Prime Minister Boris Johnson and discussed the close UK-US trading relationship and “our shared commitment to an ambitious free trade agreement once the UK leaves the EU”.

Through membership of the EU, the UK participates in around 40 free trade agreements, covering more than 70 countries.

According to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), many UK exporters are treading water at a time of deep uncertainty.

Forth Ports, in partnership with Direct Rail Services (DRS) and Eddie Stobart, has confirmed that the rail service providing a regular weekend link between the ports of Tilbury and Grangemouth is to be made permanent.

The new International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, made a visit to the United States one of her first priorities and has returned insisting that both governments are committed to negotiating and securing a free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published the draft text of notices that will be made under the provisions of The Customs Import Duty (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1248).

Ports and airports across the UK will be invited to bid for Freeport status, with as many as 10 Freeports being created under plans announced by the Government.

At a time of great uncertainty for global trade, with the United States again imposing higher tariffs on Chinese exports, the role of trade statistics takes on a renewed significance, according to Roberto Azevêdo.

While it stresses that leaving the EU with a deal remains the UK Government’s top priority, the Department for International Trade (DIT) has issued a number of guides concerning exporting to various countries in the event that the UK leaves without a deal.

In a new report on UK investment policy, Parliament’s International Trade Committee urges the Government to put in place a policy on International Investment Agreements in advance of a possible no-deal Brexit.