Recommendations & Conclusions
29 items
2
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The UK must integrate economic engagement with the US into our broader geopolitical dialogue and minimise the risks of ad hoc, zero-sum bargaining with a far larger partner by now turning paper promises into binding bargains. The UK should de-risk future volatility in US-UK trade by developing deeper long-term industry …
Government response. The government states it is already working to integrate economic engagement with the US through the Economic Prosperity Deal and Tech Prosperity Deal, securing significant investment and focusing on shared economic security objectives. It notes that the upcoming Critical Minerals …
Department for Business and Trade
3
Conclusion
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s work to date in securing swift tariff relief for key sectors under the GT-EPD and acknowledge the progress made in challenging circumstances. However, we must acknowledge that UK exporters are now trading with our most significant single trading partner on terms which are worse than before …
Government response. The government acknowledges the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) and highlights achievements such as the Technology Prosperity Deal and preferential tariff rates for steel, aluminium, lumber, and cars. It states it is continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal and …
Department for Business and Trade
5
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
Going forward, we recommend the Government now maximises pressure on the US, beginning during and continuing after the President’s State Visit, to agree final terms for a lasting, Economic Prosperity Deal that de-risks the threat of future sectoral tariffs, maximise predictability and that where the UK has secured terms which …
Government response. The government highlights existing successes from the President's State Visit, including the Technology Prosperity Deal and preferential tariff rates for steel, aluminium, lumber, and cars. It states it is continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal and will work …
Department for Business and Trade
6
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
We recommend that whenever the Government makes substantive trade commitments, whatever form this takes, it must ensure that they are subject to full parliamentary scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 51)
Government response. The government states that it has kept and will continue to keep Parliament informed through statements, affirming that any final agreement for the EPD will be scrutinised by Parliament in line with established procedures.
Department for Business and Trade
7
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
We further recommend that the Government set out, in advance of ratification, a clear timetable for parliamentary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement and of any implementing measures, so that Members and affected sectors can assess the implications of the deal before it comes into force. (Recommendation, Paragraph 52)
Government response. The government states it has already provided updates to Parliament through statements and will continue to keep the House informed. It affirms that any final agreement will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in line with established procedures, but does not …
Department for Business and Trade
9
Conclusion
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
We agree with the UK automotive industry that the tariff reductions secured under the Economic Prosperity Deal are to be welcomed, but the benefits are constrained by the 100,000-vehicle quota and uncertainty around how it will be allocated. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61) 53
Government response. The government clarifies that the 100,000-vehicle quota for UK automotive exports to the US, at a 10% tariff rate, will be administered by the US on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis starting January 1, 2026.
Department for Business and Trade
10
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The Government must work with industry to closely monitor use of the 100,000-vehicle automotive quota under the GT-EPD, agree a clear, fair mechanism for its allocation and management, and, given the complementary nature of the US and UK automotive industries, ministers should advance arguments to expand the quota. (Recommendation, Paragraph …
Government response. The government states the US will administer the 100,000-vehicle quota on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis from 2026 and confirms regular engagement with industry on UK-US trade.
Department for Business and Trade
11
Conclusion
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
While the General Terms of the Economic Prosperity Deal outline an intention to establish a tariff-reducing quota for UK steel and aluminium exports, no detailed agreement has yet been reached. Key issues remain unresolved including the size of the quota, which products will qualify and the conditions attached. This continued …
Government response. The government addresses the uncertainty by stating the UK will maintain a preferential 25% tariff rate on steel and aluminium exports to the US. It also details several other actions taken to support the steel industry, including new trade measures …
Department for Business and Trade
12
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The Government must maximise pressure on the US to minimise tariffs for UK steel and aluminium producers and work to ensure that any final agreement reflects the realities of UK supply chains and the sector’s transition to low- carbon production. (Recommendation, Paragraph 74)
Government response. The government states it has already secured a preferential 25% tariff rate for UK steel and aluminium exports to the US, preventing a 50% increase, and details several bold actions taken to support the steel industry's competitiveness and low-carbon transition.
Department for Business and Trade
13
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
Furthermore, the Government must bring forward reforms to the operation of the Trade Remedy Authority in order to ensure that is capable of moving at the same speed as the EU in implementing trade defences against diverted products into the UK market. (Recommendation, Paragraph 75)
Government response. The government states it is seeking to introduce legislation to make the UK’s trade remedies system more accessible, assertive, and agile as soon as parliamentary time allows, with further details to be announced later. The Trade Remedies Authority is also …
Department for Business and Trade
14
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The Government must also continue to urgently engage with UK industry, and the US administration, to understand and address the full impact of steel and aluminium derivative products being subject to a 25% tariff. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76)
Government response. The government states it is regularly engaging with UK businesses and sectors on the impact of US tariffs, noting that the 25% tariff provides a competitive advantage compared to the 50% faced by other countries.
Department for Business and Trade
15
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The Government should continue to press for clarity from the United States on the conditions attached to future preferential access for UK pharmaceutical exports, and, where appropriate, secure wider tariff relief for scientific and medical products. Given the positive outcome secured for the aerospace sector, the Government should seek a …
Government response. The government affirms its commitment to the UK pharmaceutical sector within its Industrial Strategy and states it will continue to press the US for outcomes that deliver benefits for UK industry, aligning with the recommendation to seek clarity and wider …
Department for Business and Trade
19
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
Further negotiations could benefit from being mission-focused, in order to avoid the pit-falls of ad-hoc zero sum negotiations. This should include, for example, fostering deeper integration of US and UK science, research and universities communities and convening the investment community to understand where potential new investment is greatest. The Government …
Government response. The government highlights that the Tech Prosperity Deal already fosters integration of science and technology communities, and mentions the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council was formed in December 2024 to convene experts and make recommendations on international partnerships and trade.
Department for Business and Trade
20
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
It is vital that the UK approaches the EPD not merely as a trade arrangement, but as a component of an economic and foreign policy strategy focused on ensuring Western leadership in the face of global competition, particularly from China. This strategy should be shaped by three frameworks: a. the …
Government response. The government accepts the need for a strategic economic and foreign policy approach to the EPD, stating it will integrate modern trade tools, strengthen defences against unfair practices, and implement its Industrial and Trade Strategies, including launching a Supply Chain …
Department for Business and Trade
21
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
Any future digital trade provisions negotiated under the Economic Prosperity Deal should strike a careful balance: promoting AI adoption and cross-border collaboration to strengthen the Western technological 55 alliance, while safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair taxation, and enabling the development of sovereign UK AI capabilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 116)
Government response. The government accepts the recommendation, stating it is in line with the UK's approach to EPD discussions and that the UK and US have agreed to negotiate ambitious digital trade provisions to promote growth while safeguarding interests.
Department for Business and Trade
22
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
The Government should work closely with industry to ensure that closer UK– US alignment on economic security measures, such as investment screening and export controls, does not create unintended obstacles for legitimate trade and collaboration. It should provide clear guidance and consult widely with sectors most affected, including advanced technology …
Government response. The government states that industry engagement is central to its approach, citing existing initiatives like NPSA and ECJU guidance, and commits to establishing a new Economic Security Advisory Service to provide advice, guidance, and facilitate dialogue with businesses.
Department for Business and Trade
24
Recommendation
10th Report – US Economic Prosperity De…
Accepted
We recognise that the GT-EPD lays important foundations for reducing non- tariff barriers. The Committee urges Government to engage stakeholders early to ensure that future commitments protect UK standards while unlocking market access opportunities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 135)
Government response. The government states it has been, and will continue to be, extensively engaging with businesses and stakeholders across the economy to protect UK standards while unlocking market access opportunities under the EPD.
Department for Business and Trade
3
Conclusion
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
There remain important issues that will require resolution and ongoing monitoring if the full benefits of the Agreement are to be realised. The Committee heard that the key bulk whisky tariff line has not been liberalised to the same extent as the Scotch-specific tariff codes. The automotive sector will also …
Government response. The government states that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) oversees the utilization and implementation of the Agreement through awareness campaigns, sector-specific guides, and support for firms. DBT has already engaged over 7,000 organizations, and the government will regularly …
Department for Business and Trade
4
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government must ensure that the remaining issues which risk undermining the Agreement’s benefits for key sectors are addressed. Ratification should not be treated as the conclusion of the process. Ministers must be held accountable for ensuring that businesses are able to use the Agreement effectively to drive growth and …
Government response. The government states that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) already oversees the utilisation and implementation of the Agreement through a coordinated, cross-departmental programme, and will update Parliament regularly on preparation, utilisation, and tariff preference uptake, and publish provisional …
Department for Business and Trade
6
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should identify sectors where mutual recognition of professional qualifications would benefit both parties and use the Professional Services Working Group to seek progress within twelve months of the Agreement taking effect. It should set out how it intends to progress priority arrangements within the timetable established by the …
Government response. The UK and India will both speak to regulators ahead of the first working group meeting, to identify and encourage mutually interested UK and Indian relevant bodies to enter into negotiations on mutual agreements or arrangements for recognition of professional …
Department for Business and Trade
8
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should use the Working Group on Intellectual Property to pursue further progress with India in areas of mutual benefit and UK strategic importance, including in sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. This should include continued dialogue on issues raised by industry, such as regulatory data protection, patentability and …
Government response. The government will continue to advance the IP agenda through the Intellectual Property Rights Working Group outlined in the FTA, and aligned with UK business priorities.
Department for Business and Trade
10
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should closely monitor labour market impacts arising from the Agreement and report back to Parliament on its assessment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 71) Sustainability and labour standards
Government response. The government states that the mobility provisions are not expected to have a material impact on the labour market. They also mention that the Department for Business and Trade intends to monitor and evaluate the agreement, which is already stated …
Department for Business and Trade
16
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
Concerns about remaining barriers to trade undermining UK exports to India despite the Agreement are well-founded. The Government should publish utilisation data for tariff preferences under the Agreement, consistent with its approach for other UK free trade agreements, and report regularly to Parliament on uptake. In doing so, it should …
Government response. The government will regularly update Parliament on FTA utilisation and tariff preference uptake, and will publish provisional data on utilisation rates within the first year, subject to information from Indian customs. They will also work with industry and the Indian …
Department for Business and Trade
17
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should ensure that UK trade remedies and bilateral safeguard mechanisms are accessible, timely and proportionate for sectors facing increased import competition as a result of the Agreement. This should include clear guidance for businesses, particularly SMEs, on how to raise concerns and trigger investigations, active monitoring of import …
Government response. The government will always consider whether overseas products have an unfair advantage and will use powers to protect sensitive sectors including a ‘bilateral safeguard mechanism’ and SME support.
Department for Business and Trade
18
Conclusion
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Committee notes that UK businesses face significant non-tariff barriers in the Indian market, including regulatory complexity, inconsistent implementation, limited transparency and state-level frictions, as well as specific barriers such as export health certification requirements and India’s expanding use of Quality Control Orders. The Committee would like to see these …
Government response. The government says the deal tackles non-tariff barriers, will engage businesses to address challenges utilising the agreement, and will use the formal engagement mechanisms in the deal to resolve issues quickly. DBT has a large in-country team in India and …
Department for Business and Trade
19
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
To address non-tariff barriers, the Government should open structured, sector-focused discussions with India to reduce the most trade-distorting barriers identified by industry, using the Sub-Committee on Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment. The Government should clearly identify priority issues and set out a timetable for their resolution and protect the …
Government response. The government will actively engage businesses to address challenges in utilizing the agreement and use formal engagement mechanisms, including the Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Sub-Committee, to resolve issues. They have a large in-country team in India consisting of …
Department for Business and Trade
20
Conclusion
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
Implementation of CETA is critical to success of the deal and real benefits for UK businesses and growth in the UK economy. Tariff reductions and legal commitments alone will not translate into increased exports or investment 78 unless they are supported by effective delivery. The Committee sees CETA as a …
Government response. The government states that the Trade Minister is responsible for trade policy and exports and has ministerial responsibility for ensuring FTA implementation is resourced and delivered. They also mention that DBT has teams and a program to ensure businesses can …
Department for Business and Trade
21
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should assign clear Ministerial responsibility for FTA implementation, which should be identified in the portfolio of the Minister for Trade and listed as one of their ministerial responsibilities. The Minister must ensure that implementation of FTAs, including CETA, is supported by appropriate resources and explore the benefits of …
Government response. The government states that the current Trade Minister is already responsible for both trade policy and exports and has ministerial responsibility for ensuring the implementation of FTAs is resourced and delivered, with substantial teams in place to support this.
Department for Business and Trade
22
Recommendation
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensive Ec…
Accepted
The Government should publish a detailed CETA implementation plan, no later than three months before entry into force, including routes for businesses to raise market access problems; points of contact in the UK and in India; sector-specific guidance (including for SMEs); and how the Joint Committee and sub-committee system, set …
Government response. The Government states that it is already committed to implementing CETA effectively and is ensuring that UK businesses are fully equipped to benefit from these opportunities. It refers to existing engagement with Chambers of Commerce, JETCO, working groups, and tools …
Department for Business and Trade