As well as advice on what financial support is
available for companies to manage the impacts of
coronavirus, DIT stands ready to provide assistance
with customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance of
businesses’ products, and to offer advice on
intellectual property and other issues with business
continuity.
The message follows the news that UK businesses will
now be eligible to secure export insurance cover to
markets including the EU, US, Japan, Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland with
immediate effect, following UK Export Finance expanding
the scope of its Export Insurance
Policy (EXIP). Exports from the UK to these
markets totalled £499 billion last year, accounting for
74% of all international sales from the UK.
International Trade Secretary, , said:
During this turbulent time, we are taking every step
we can to ensure UK exporters are protected and that
the economy remains strong. As part of this, the UK
government has emailed 160,000 exporters and
investors across the country to outline the support
measures available to them.
The government’s network of trade, policy and
business specialists across the UK and around the
world will continue to provide support where it is
most needed, to ensure the country can continue
trading during this difficult time.
This comes after the government announced it
will waive import taxes on medical equipment crucial to
the fight against coronavirus, including ventilators,
coronavirus testing kits and protective clothing. The
removal of the tariffs, which can be up to 12 per cent
on the price of these goods, will mean more vital
supplies will flow into the UK to help the brave
frontline workers treating patients with coronavirus.
The Department for International Trade’s 170
International Trade Advisers are already reaching out
to businesses across the country to provide advice on
keeping trade flowing. DIT is also working closely with
trade bodies and business organisations to support the
government’s business campaign. To find an ITA in your
area, visit: https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/
Businesses are being encouraged to:
