By William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce
International trade brings huge benefits to UK companies and the wider economy. As firms continue to adjust to the post-Brexit trading environment, the government needs to be clear about the path ahead and do everything it can to help business. Trading conditions are tough right now. The BCC’s latest research shows SME exporters are simply treading water. In Q3 of 2023 half of all exporters saw no change in overseas sales, and a quarter reported a decrease. If we want to remain one of the world’s largest economies, then we need more firms selling goods and services internationally.
The legal framework and accompanying policy must also underpin the move to more trade being done digitally. Half of the UK’s trade is facilitated digitally, and around 85% of the UK’s services exports are digital in their delivery. The Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 has provided a major impetus to goods trade digitalisation, but policymakers around the world are also looking to Single Trade or Customs Windows to…
