International December Briefing

Unlocking Opportunities: NEW International Trade Training Courses for 2024

As the global trade landscape evolves, staying ahead is not just an option—it's a necessity. 🌍✨ We're thrilled to announce the launch of our 2024 international trade training courses, ensuring your team is well-prepared for the the road ahead.

Find out more>>

TRADE
Import groupage or mixed load consignments of animal products into Great Britain from 2024

Guidance for EU exporters from 31 January 2024, exporters from rest of the world from 30 April 2024 and UK importers, on how to import groupage or mixed load consignments of animal products into Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) can be found here

CDS switch over

The Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will be the long-term replacement for the current CHIEF (Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight) platform, replacing a system based on paperwork with a digital platform.

CHIEF closed its e-doors for import declarations on 30th September 2022. The final closure for export declarations will be on the 30th of March 2024.

Ensure your team is well-prepared for the changes by joining our comprehensive CDS for Beginners course on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Find out more>>

GLOBAL TRADE
UK-Mexico - Rules of Origin extension

The UK has secured an extension to arrangements that were due to expire, helping British manufacturers access lower or zero tariffs when selling their products to Mexico. The arrangement will come into effect from 1 January 2024 and will remain in place until a new UK-Mexico Free Trade Agreement enters into force.

The deal will provide certainty for UK businesses, helping them to continue avoiding high tariffs imposed by Mexico and maintain their competitive edge in the market. Mexico is the 14th largest economy in the world and second largest in Latin America, and its demand for imports is forecast to grow by 42% between 2021 and 2035 as its economy continues to grow.

UK-Florida sign MoU

UK and Florida signed the 7th UK-US state level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost trade and investment bringing the total to 7 states with a combined GDP of £3.3 trillion. Florida has a GDP of over £1.1 trillion, the fourth biggest of any US state.

The MoU is designed to help make it quicker, easier, and cheaper for UK and Florida firms to do business and is targeted at sectors in which the UK and Florida have particular strengths such as space, fintech, AI and legal services.

UK-South Korea launches trade talks

UK and South Korea to launch negotiations on an upgraded, modern free trade agreement to boost trade between the two countries. South Korea is the 13th biggest economy in the world and its import demand is set to rapidly grow, driving further demand for first-rate UK goods and services. UK and South Korea to also announce record £21 billion of Korean investment in green energy and infrastructure projects across the UK, creating more than 1,500 highly skilled jobs

Trade and Investment Factsheet

Trade and Investment factsheets provide a snapshot of the UK’s trade and investment positions with individual trading and investment partners overseas. These factsheets summarise the latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners.

Suffolk Chamber International Trade Group (SCITG)

The SCITG is a forum for sharing best practice, hearing from local and national policymakers and thought leaders to enhance knowledge and capabilities in developing international trading activities. Click here for further details on the group or if you would like to be part of the SCITG.