Government sets out the UK's trade priorities as it undergoes
first WTO Trade Policy Review since leaving the EU.
The UK will undergo its first World Trade Organization (WTO)
Trade Policy Review since leaving the EU, positioning itself as a
champion of free and fair trade.
In this landmark moment for UK trade, Minister for Trade Policy
will set out a bold,
growth-focused strategy in Geneva, highlighting how the UK is
backing businesses to export, invest and thrive globally.
As part of the review, the Government has published a report, outlining
the UK's trade priorities:
- Boosting services exports, already worth over £400 billion
last year, cementing the UK's position as a global services
superpower
- Driving investment-led growth, unlocking capital to scale
innovation and productivity
- Leading in digital trade, pioneering modern trade corridors
and cutting red tape for exporters
- Championing sustainability, ensuring trade supports our net
zero ambitions
Recent agreements, including the new UK-EU deal expected to add
£9bn to the economy by 2040, the US Economic Prosperity deal
already supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and the £4.8bn
India trade deal, show the real-world impact of the UK's
approach.
These deals will mean increased export opportunities, more jobs,
higher wages and a boost to economic growth, delivering on our
Plan for change.
Minister of State for International Trade said:
“Our trade and industrial strategies are working hand in hand to
deliver growth and opportunity for British companies.
“By championing innovation, digital trade and strong global
partnerships, we're making sure the UK's growth agenda benefits
communities across the country and keeps us competitive on the
world stage.”
In Geneva, the Minister will also reiterate the UK's commitment
to modernising global trade rules, supporting WTO reform, and
ensuring fair, transparent markets.
Ambassador Kumar Iyer, UK Permanent Representative to the
WTO and UN in Geneva, said:
“The UK's Trade Policy Review is a chance to reaffirm our
commitment to the WTO and the principles of rules-based global
trade.
“We are proud to showcase the progress we have made on inclusive
growth, services exports, and digital trade and to engage
constructively with partners on the reforms needed to modernise
the multilateral trading system.”
Notes to Editors:
- Trade Policy Reviews are a core part of the WTO's
accountability and transparency mechanisms in which WTO Members
undergo a comprehensive peer review of their trade policies,
frameworks and practices. This is the UK's first TPR since
leaving the EU and outlines its future trade priorities.
- Two reports will be published on 28 October: a UK Government
Report, outlining the UK's strategic vision and a WTO Report,
offering an independent assessment of UK trade policy from
2020-2025.
- The WTO will also publish the minutes of the Trade Policy
Review meeting including the Member's questions and UK's
responses later in the year.
