The International Trade Committee today launches an
inquiry examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
international trade, including how UK businesses, consumers and
public authorities may be affected. Committee Chair, , has also written
to , Secretary of State for
International Trade, to seek further information on the
Department for International Trade’s response to the
pandemic.
The emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has
considerable implications for global trade. Pressurised supply
chains and unusual patterns of demand from consumers and public
bodies for essential goods present uniquely challenging
circumstances for businesses and governments around the
world.
In addition to the UK Government’s package of
financial support for businesses, the Department for
International Trade has published specific guidance
for UK
businesses trading internationallyand advice for
the freight transport industry.
The Committee’s inquiry will examine the short-, medium-,
and long-term impact of the pandemic on UK businesses trading
internationally, and the Government’s response to these. It will
also consider the implications of steps taken by key UK trading
partners, such as restrictions on the export of essential goods,
and the actions the UK Government could take to promote
international cooperation and a coordinated global response to
the pandemic.
Launching the inquiry, Committee Chair said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis with far ranging
impacts, including on global trade.
“Increased and altered demand from consumers and public
bodies, combined with the potential for significantly reduced
production, strained supply chains and restrictions on the
circulation of essential goods such as medical supplies, presents
a uniquely challenging set of circumstances for governments and
businesses around the globe.
“My Committee’s inquiry has been launched with the
intention of not only scrutinising the Department for
International Trade’s initial response to this unprecedented
crisis, but also informing the succession of critical choices
that will need to be made in the coming weeks and months. These
choices could have a profound impact on UK businesses, public
authorities and the wider trading system.
“Of course, I recognise the pressures the Government is
facing at the present time and I intend for my Committee to
fulfil its scrutiny role in as supportive and collaborative a
manner as
possible.”
Chair writes to Secretary of State with key questions to
inform inquiry
International Trade Committee Chair, , has also written
to , Secretary of State for
International Trade, to ask questions about her Department’s
response to the pandemic. A copy of the letter is
attached.
Terms of reference
The Committee welcomes submissions on some, or all, of the
following points by 5pm on Friday 24 April. Submissions made
prior to this deadline would be gratefully received. Submissions
should be made via the
inquiry page on the Parliament website.
-
What impact will the global COVID-19 pandemic have on UK
businesses trading internationally, in the short-, medium- and
long-term?
-
How effectively has the Government responded, both in the
UK and in overseas posts, to the short-term negative impact of
the pandemic on UK businesses trading internationally? What
further steps could be taken to mitigate this
impact?
-
What medium- and long-term negative impacts could arise
from the pandemic for UK businesses trading internationally?
What steps could the Government take to mitigate these
impacts?
-
What steps can UK businesses take to mitigate the
negative impacts of the pandemic on international
trade?
-
How best can the UK Government facilitate trade in
essential goods during the pandemic?
-
How should the Department for International Trade work
with the rest of central government, as well as devolved, local
and regional government, to deliver a coordinated response to
the pandemic?
-
How can the UK Government engage with countries at the
World Trade Organization and bilateral trading partners –
including those with which the UK has a significant trading
relationship or one facilitating trade in priority goods – to
promote international cooperation and a coordinated global
response to the pandemic?
-
How might the pandemic impact global trade patterns and
international supply chains in the long-term?
