It may be August, but there’s still plenty going on for exporters and importers to keep up with.
This includes the return of ‘Operation Brook’ – the government’s traffic mitigation plan for lorry tailbacks in Kent when rules for trade with the EU change.
Daily Update readers have also been following Liz Truss’ trip to the US for trade talks with great interest and the race for the top job at the WTO.
1. Government relaunches Operation Brook
The government has published a blueprint for mitigating a ‘no deal’ outcome in the EU trade negotiations, after admitting “low levels of trade and haulier readiness” for new customs rules and checks after the current transition period finishes on 31 December 2020.
2. Liz Truss hits out at tariffs
Trade secretary Liz Truss travelled to the US at the start of the week in a bid to advance UK negotiations for a trade deal, following reports the government has given up hopes of securing a US deal this year.
3. New export controls for Hong Kong
The government has announced changes to licensing rules for exports to Hong Kong which could make it harder for UK companies to export a wide range of ‘strategic goods’ to the city-state.
4. Race for the WTO top job
The WTO is facing a leaderless autumn after failing to select an interim leader while the contest to replace outgoing director Roberto Azevedo continues.
5. What next for food and drink?
On Thursday the Daily Update looked at the four key sectors for food and drink exports in the UK, summarising their latest state of play.
