Trade Reset Talks: UK, EU Power‑Play in London
In a sunny London session at the DP World HQ, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the British Chamber in the EU sat down with EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano and UK’s EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas‑Symonds. The aim? To push each side for a fresh trade reset that feels less like a bureaucratic slog and more like a smooth business partnership.
Meetup Highlights
- Hosted by BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland and President Martha Lane Fox.
- Delivered a joint statement outlining the “top seven changes” both sides want.
- Discussed major trade issues: UK’s new free‑trade deal with India & the ongoing U.S. tariff response.
Top Seven Tweaks Ahead of the EU Summit
- Export Ease for SMEs – smash or slash the hassle around food & plant product shipments.
- Youth Mobility Swap – balanced school visits, exchange programs, and short‑term work for young folks.
- PEM Convention Re‑join – align raw‑material rules so exports stay tariff‑free.
- VAT Flex – The Norway‑style Helper – exempt small UK firms from needing a fiscal representative in the EU.
- Work & Travel Extension – let UK & EU firms keep longer stays, plus mutual recognition of credentials.
- Carbon Charging? Not on the Menu – link the UK & EU Emissions Trading Schemes to dodge carbon overhead.
- Defence & Security Pact – clear co‑operation lines, secondary agreements, and a “pay‑to‑play” route for UK firms to snag EU procurement contracts.
What the Numbers Say
- 41% of UK exporters feel the Brexit deal is not boosting sales.
- Only 14% see a positive impact.
- Biggest blockers: customs & documentation (45%), export paperwork (39%), regulations & standards (35%), and tariffs (33%).
- Shockingly, >75% of firms know nothing about upcoming trade rule changes.
Shevaun Haviland on the Tides of Business
“The ripple effect of U.S. tariffs is still shaking global trade. It stinks for business and screams for the UK and EU to signal that open, fair trade scores everyone.” She added, “Defence jumped the priority list—US policy shifts mean we need a solid UK/EU security pact now, not later.”
She plans to set up a European Trade and Business Group that will keep politicians accountable and push for real, quick wins. The upcoming Sunday summit promises to be “just the start,” not the finish line.
Keep your ears open—this market talk’s just getting started, and the next rounds are set to get louder.
