British Chambers of Commerce push for UK-EU trade reset
- GMCCTradeteam
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Recent research from the BCC showed:
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The BCC recently met with EU ambassadors to push for a trade reset benefiting businesses on both sides, specially emphasising on the simplification of trade customs processes under the current EU-UK TCA, which has only but added red tape and additional costs to firms, as well as limiting service access.
The BCC latest analysis on the TCA, 4 yrs on, has also found:
More than a third (37%) want a reduction in VAT requirements to export to the EU.
And a quarter (25%) want the UK to align with rules and regulations with the EU in key goods sectors.
Companies also said that some of the biggest barriers to trade with the EU are:
Customs procedures and documentation (45%)
Export documentation (39%)
Regulations and Standards (35%); and
Tariffs (33%).
After meeting with the Ambassadors, Trade Policy Head at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain, said:
“The shockwaves from last week’s US announcements on tariffs are still reverberating around the world, and both the UK and EU need to decide on their next steps.
“Making trade between the UK and the EU easier, for businesses on both sides of the English Channel, is one option that can have an immediate impact.
“If we reduce red-tape and simplify other processes that have added to costs for business then we all benefit.
“The EU Leaders’ Summit with the Prime Minister won’t take place until May 19, and clearly a lot will happen in the next few months, but it was encouraging to see EU ambassadors being receptive to our suggestions.”
The BCC makes 26 recommendations on their TCA Four Years On Report which focus on improving the current UK-EU trade relationship, including:
Negotiate a deal with the EU which either eliminates or reduces the complexity of exporting food for SMEs.
Produce a balanced Youth Mobility scheme between the UK and EU, covering school visits and exchanges, and a time-limited ability to work for young people.
Rejoin the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) convention to align rules on raw material and components that can be used in exports without incurring tariffs.
Establish a supplementary deal, like Norway’s, that exempts smaller firms from the requirement to have a fiscal representative for VAT in the EU.
Make a deal to allow UK firms to travel and work for longer in Europe and vice versa, and provide mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Link the Emissions Trading Schemes of the UK and EU to avoid charges on carbon embedded in exports in both directions.
Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at Greater Manchester Chamber, said 'the British Chambers of Commerce's Trade Manifesto offers an accolade of recommendations which should help boost export growth in the UK.
In Greater Manchester, we believe export support should go beyond trade promotion and overseas missions. Businesses, especially SMEs, need access to flexible funding schemes that enable specialised customs support. This is crucial in helping them navigate the complex and ever-changing UK and international regulations, which too often deter businesses from exporting.
The Trade Manifesto highlights key regulations like CBAM, but many more are emerging as governments worldwide adopt sustainable practices to drive economic growth. Keeping up with these changes is a challenge for many businesses, and without the right support, they risk missing out on global opportunities.
We must ensure businesses have the knowledge and resources to comply and compete on the international stage.'
Source: BCC
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