West London Export Club – International Trade Review: May/ June 2020


Export Planner: looking for new export markets, please try our innovative platform. https://hounslowchamber.akonihub.com/home/export

Export Business Finance Finder: Let funders find you, hundreds of options with one application: https://hounslowchamber.org.uk/business-finance-finder

Export query helpline: Please call 07780 650338 – Alan Rides


Trading with the UAE and the Gulf – Tuesday 16 June at 10:00am https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TTUtpAEdSR2wLcByWjjMdw

Dubai wants to buy your goods. Join us to make this happen and to learn how.

Our panel of experts:

For more information please click here


London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation 

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has relaunched the London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation this week (https://lcam.org.uk/) with new e-mediation services, underpinned by the highly innovative use of blockchain technology, and very attractive fixed pricing.

It is clear that there will be a huge demand for mediation and arbitration on contracts as a result of the economic impact of Covid-19. The judiciary has made it clear that companies should look to this system rather than the courts because of the backlog of cases, and the Cabinet office has reiterated its call for companies to look to mediation as the first port of call.

LCCI thinks this is another way in which they can be of service to the London chamber community and help reinforce membership of your chambers across London. The team are now looking at how they can make this service available to our members as a benefit. They would like to put this in place quickly. If you have any advice and comments, and if you would be interested, please can you contact Liz Henderson (lhenderson@londonchamber.co.uk).


Lloyds Bank business awards: call for entries from exporters to the business world’s ‘Oscars’

The Institute of Export & International Trade has become an official partner in the prestigious Lloyds Bank National Business Awards, a competition that highlights the role of exporters in the UK economy.

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IOE&IT ALERT: Customs authorisations may change from 1 January 2021

The Institute of Export & International Trade is alerting its members to the possibility that their existing customs authorisations may change from 1 January 2021 – the scheduled first day of full, post-transition Brexit.

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Hopes high for SME exporters at US-UK trade talks

The UK’s negotiations for a free trade agreement with the US, which began this week via video link, have a particular focus on small businesses that are seeking beneficial terms in exporting to America.

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Queen’s Awards 2020 winner profiles: a firm that is Hollywood’s best kept secret

Continuing our series profiling this year’s Queen’s Awards winners, we catch up with another of the 128 companies awarded in the international trade category.

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EU-UK trade talks: where are we now?

As the UK enters pivotal weeks for its trade negotiations with the EU, the Daily Update takes stock on their progress – or lack of it.

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Sea freight rates between Asia and Europe on the rise 

The cost of transporting cargo by sea continues to rise as demand slows, The Loadstar reports today.

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UK government reveals post-Brexit tariff regime plan: supply chain imports protected

The UK is to slash tariffs on a wide range of goods when it leaves the EU at the end of the year.

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IOE&IT to help UK importers prepare for new ‘UK Global Tariff’

To help importers in the UK understand the implications of the announcement, the Institute will be running a ‘UK Global Tariff Masterclass’ on Tuesday 2nd June.

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£35 million cash injection to keep vital freight routes into and out of the UK moving 

The government has announced a multi-million-pound injection of cash to keep vital freight ferry and rail routes into and out of the UK running smoothly.

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Government calls on industry support to clear backlog of defence licence applications

The government has announced that it will work with the industry body for defence- and space-related goods to speed up the approval process for export licences following a “challenging” period of delays.

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Pandemic hits UK food and drinks exports but non-EU sales of branded goods grow

British food and drink exports fell by over £700 million over the first quarter of 2020, according to analysis published this week by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

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Changes to government furlough scheme: advice for IOE&IT members 

The Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce later today a tapering of the government’s furlough scheme by asking firms to contribute 20% of furloughed staff member wages.

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UK SMEs ‘jumping before they’re pushed’ in switch to non-EU markets

Small businesses in the UK are diverting exports away from the EU, according to a report into international sales trends ahead of a pivotal moment in the Brexit negotiations.

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Battle for space on UK roads looms as government boosts cycle lanes

A contest for space on UK roads is under way with the Road Haulage Association accusing government of “faulty thinking” in its plans to create more cycle and pedestrian lanes.

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New UK Global Tariff: key facts to know in an IOE&IT masterclass tomorrow 

The UK’s new trade regime, which sets out tariffs and duties for imports to replace the current EU scheme, will become reality when the transition period ends in December 2020.

Read more >>



GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Department for International Trade

UK and US start trade negotiations: International Secretary of State Liz Truss and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer have launched the first round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

Trade and investment core statistics book: The most up-to-date snapshot of the UK’s trade and investment position, summarising trade statistics produced by ONS, HMRC, DIT and others.

Trade Remedies Authority Chief Executive Designate steps down: The Director of the Trade Remedies Investigations Directorate (TRID) and Chief Executive Designate of the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has stepped down.

Coronavirus: DIT offers support to exporters and investors: Guidance on how to help secure export finance to keep trading during the coronavirus outbreak has been set out by the Department for International Trade. DIT also 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.

UK Export Finance

UKEF’s approach to foreign content: UKEF has published information on its policy, definitions and the principles it uses to assess foreign content in the transactions it supports.

Parliamentary Select Committees

The International Trade Committee continues its inquiry examining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with a recent session focusing on UK trade in manufactured goods.


GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Department for International Trade

UK Global Tariff backs UK businesses and consumers: The Government has announced the UK’s new MFN tariff regime, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), which will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021 at the end of the Transition Period. BExA has issued a detailed response, which can be accessed here.

Liz Truss kick-starts trade negotiations with Japan: The UK has published its negotiating objectives for a free trade agreement with Japan, with talks beginning shortly. The agreement will be based on the existing EU-Japan free trade agreement and will aim to secure additional benefits for UK businesses trading with Japan.

UK-Poland agreement to deliver major infrastructure project: Minister for Exports, Graham Stuart MP, has announced a new agreement to support construction of a major infrastructure project in Poland, called the ‘Solidarity Transport Hub’.

Coronavirus: DIT offers support to exporters and investors: Guidance on how to help secure export finance to keep trading during the coronavirus outbreak has been set out by the Department for International Trade. DIT also 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.

Parliamentary Select Committees

The International Trade Committee continues its inquiry examining the impact of Covid-19, with a recent session on how the pandemic is affecting UK trade in services and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).


MARKING THE 80th ANNIVERSARY OF BExA

To mark the 80th anniversary of BExA, this month’s edition of The Exporter magazine features an interview with Co-Chairmen Marcus Dolman and Geoff de Mowbray. 

The article details the Association’s rich history since its formation in 1940, including some of the challenges faced, successes and achievements to date, and hopes for the future.  

Due to the impact of Covid-19, the magazine is unfortunately not available in print format. However, the team at The Exporter have kindly made this issue freely available for all members to read online.  We hope you enjoy!