Find out which trade agreements the UK is negotiating and which trade agreements the UK has already signed.
The UK is seeking trade agreements with major trading partners.
The UK is also seeking to reproduce the effects of existing EU trade agreements for when they no longer apply to the UK. These are called continuity agreements.
Trade agreements set out the rules that cover trade between 2 or more countries. They aim to make trading easier between those countries. They do this by reducing the restrictions on imports and exports between them.
Find out more about trade agreements in this video.
Trade negotiations the UK is prioritising
The UK has left the EU. They are now able to negotiate, sign and ratify new trade agreements. These can come into force after 31 December 2020.
The UK’s priority is to launch negotiations with the EU, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The government is continuing its programme of work to reproduce effects of existing EU trade agreements. It is also considering joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The approach to the Future Relationship with the EU
The UK’s trade negotiations with the US
UK’s approach to negotiating a free trade agreement with Japan
Public engagement
The government is engaging with stakeholders to inform the UK’s trade policy and negotiations.
The government has run consultations on potential future trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand and a call for input on a potential agreement with Japan.
It has also consulted on the government’s intention to potentially join the CPTPP.
The government has established the Strategic Trade Advisory Group and a network of Expert Trade Advisory Groups to support the development of the trade policy and negotiations.
Trade with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Until 31 December 2020, EU agreements can continue to apply to the UK. The UK is seeking to reproduce the effects of existing EU trade agreements for when they no longer apply to the UK.
Agreements that have been signed are expected to take effect from 1 January 2021.
Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
Source: gov.uk