Business, Freight News, Logistics
Logistics UK calls for solutions to free up trade
[ January 21, 2025 // Chris Lewis ]Logistics UK urged the government to prioritise workable solutions for frictionless trade in its response to the Department of Business and Trade (DBT)’s call for input into the forthcoming Trade Strategy. It said that immediate changes should be made to border processes to ease the movement of goods across the UK’s borders with Europe.
It warned that the cumulative impact of changes to trade and border policies following the UK’s departure from the EU is adding significant cost and inefficiency. The new Trade Strategy needs the government to take a consistent approach, to give the logistics sector the reassurances and clear, timely communication that will allow the nation to trade smoothly.
Logistics UK also stressed that a closer, easier trading relationship with the EU is key to reset the UK’s economic prospects. The new Trade Strategy needs a clear and practical focus on removing export barriers and reengaging UK businesses who have removed themselves from the export market because of cost or complexity.
Logistics UK policy manager for trade, customs and borders Josh Fenton said: “The past decade has brought enormous challenges for many businesses, particularly in the logistics sector, and the current lack of stability has damaged business confidence which, ultimately, has affected domestic and international investment and trading relationships with our EU neighbours. Many businesses that previously were trading internationally are now solely focusing on the domestic market, reducing opportunity for the UK to benefit from strong, profitable business opportunities.
“The Trade Strategy can reset the UK’s trading position, creating the environment to smooth trade and drive growth across the economy.”
Logistics UK also repeated its call for a dedicated Minister for Logistics and Supply Chain with cross departmental responsibility.
The submission also called for efficient delivery of the 2025 UK Border Strategy, evolution and expansion of the trading relationship with Europe, including a comprehensive Veterinary Agreement, efficient implementation of the Windsor Framework and Free Trade Facilitation Agreements and Free Trade Agreements to grow UK-world trade with logistics and connectivity at the core of negotiations.
Tags: Logistics UK