UK trade update

The UK continues to develop its global trade strategy, advancing negotiations with key partners while navigating post-Brexit relations with the EU.

With multiple trade discussions in progress and regulatory changes affecting movement between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, businesses should prepare for evolving trade conditions in the coming months.

Northern Ireland trade lane: transition deadline approaches

From 31st March 2025, updated processes for parcel movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will take effect, marking a significant transition for businesses.

• Private individuals in Northern Ireland will continue to receive parcels from Great Britain without customs declarations, tariffs, or the need to present goods to customs, provided they are for personal use.
• Business-to-business (B2B) parcel movements will follow freight procedures, with traders requiring authorisation under the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS). Either the sender or recipient must be authorised to declare goods as ‘not at risk’, ensuring they qualify for duty-free movement under the Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM).
• B2B goods that do not qualify for SPIMM will require a full customs declaration, reinforcing the importance of ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria.

With NIRMS, UKIMS, SPIMM, and IMMI frameworks creating a complex regulatory landscape, businesses are encouraged to seek guidance to ensure compliance. Metro offers support in navigating these schemes, including post-Brexit audit reviews to assess eligibility for retrospective duty reclaims.

UK trade negotiations: expanding global agreements

The UK is actively pursuing new and expanded trade agreements to strengthen its global economic position.

• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): The UK formally joined in December 2024, becoming the first European country to enter this major trade bloc, enhancing access to 11 key markets.
• India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Negotiations with India and the GCC are currently the highest priority, with discussions ongoing to finalise agreements.
• South Korea, Switzerland, and Israel: The UK is working to deepen market access and streamline trade flows with these nations through revised agreements.

EU trade discussions: cautious expectations for change

Despite renewed diplomatic engagement between the UK and the EU, businesses should not expect imminent changes to existing trade arrangements.

Since the UK’s government change in July 2024, there has been a positive shift in UK-EU relations, yet uncertainty remains regarding what the UK seeks from a proposed trade ‘reset’. European officials have emphasised the need for clarity, particularly on youth mobility, but discussions remain in the early stages, with Brexit-related complexities still shaping the dialogue.

With UK-EU delegations set to meet in May, expectations are that the summit will establish a foundation for future talks rather than delivering immediate policy changes.

• Supply chain operators should not anticipate short-term relief from Brexit-related challenges.
• No significant changes to frontier processes appear likely, with both sides committed to fully implementing the current trade and cooperation agreement before considering modifications.
• SMEs remain disproportionately affected by post-Brexit trade changes, with industry groups urging policymakers to prioritise reducing red tape.

As the UK’s trade strategy evolves, we will share important developments, particularly regarding EU discussions and the phased implementation of new trade agreements.

Navigating the complexities of international trade requires real-time insights and expert guidance. At Metro, we continuously monitor market influences and evolving regulations, to help you de-risk your supply chain and maximise opportunities.

With over 40 years of expertise in multimodal transport and customs brokerage, we lead the way with CuDoS, our automated customs declaration platform, ensuring swift compliance with UK and EU trade regimes.

Make informed decisions with Metro’s strategic support. For trade insights and risk management advice, EMAIL Laurence Burford, Chief Financial Officer. For customs and regulatory solutions, EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director.