International Trade November Briefing

TRADE

EU Deforestation Regulation

The EU has postponed the implementation of its new Deforestation Regulation which would impact upon UK and other non-EU exporters. For larger firms, the new rules will apply from the end of 2025, and for SMEs, from end of June 2026. New guidance on due diligence measures was also published by the European Commission this week.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

the European Commission published an updated Q&A document on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism offering additional advice to third country traders on embedded emissions. Click here to read the new guidance.

UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement

The UK Government and the European Union have formally concluded technical negotiations on the UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement. This agreement is aimed at improving cooperation between the UK’s and EU’s competition authorities, allowing for greater dialogue between the Competition and Markets Authority in the UK, the European Commission and the National Competition Authorities of the EU Member States. The agreement will ensure more effective enforcement of global competition laws, helping to support businesses both in the UK and EU as well as protecting consumers.

GLOBAL TRADE

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Indonesia has formally applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The UK’s accession will take effect among ratifying states on Sunday 15 December, when UK firms can then begin to use the new trading terms.

The UK and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)
From 15 December 2024, UK traders will be able to trade with the following Parties under CPTPP:
• Japan
• Singapore
• Chile
• New Zealand
• Vietnam
• Peru
• Malaysia
• Brunei

This is because those Parties have ratified the UK’s accession to CPTPP.

Australia, Brunei, Canada and Mexico have not yet ratified the UK’s accession to CPTPP, therefore UK businesses will not be able to trade under CPTPP with these Parties until they do so.

When a CPTPP Party ratifies the UK’s accession to CPTPP, the agreement will be ready to be applied with that Party 60 days later. Further guidance can be found here

BCC Trade Confidence Outlook - Q3 2024

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s Insights Unit, is a survey of just under 2,000 UK SME exporters. It found that the percentage of SME exporters reporting increased exports has fallen back by 5% after an uptick in Q2. Overall, 22% of SME exporters reported an increase in export sales, while 24% reported a decrease and 54% reported no change. The position for advance orders is even less optimistic with 19% of SMEs reporting an increase, 56% no change, and 25% a decrease. SME exporters are consistently more likely to report decreased exports compared to before the pandemic and Brexit. 

Introduction of a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from January 2027

The UK government has confirmed plans to implement a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism from January 2027. In line with BCC submissions to HM Treasury, glass and ceramics have been initially removed from scope. The threshold for importers affected by the measure will be those importing £50,000 or more per annum of CBAM goods.

Single Trade Window

The rollout of the Single Trade Window has been paused for the 2025/26 period. Consultations are planned ahead of the finalisation of Phase 2 of the spending review in the spring. New guidance on submitting inbound safety and security declarations for EU imports is expected soon, ahead of changes taking effect at the end of January.

BCC International Trade Survey

Customs procedures continue to be the main export hurdle for UK companies, according to a major new survey of businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit.

Over 1,300 businesses took part in the online survey during July and early August. Some of the key findings are:

• Customs procedures remain the top barrier to exporting (cited by 45% of companies) 
• 40% of firms say geo-political events have impacted their business over the last year 
• 37% of exporters anticipate an increase in export business over the next 12 months, but 91% of non-exporters do not expect to export 
• Most exporters are not familiar with new or upcoming trade changes 

The Survey also found that when asked what businesses (regardless of whether they export or not) perceive as the main trade barriers, 45% of cited customs procedures and documentation as the top answer. That’s slightly down on the 2023 figure of 49%. Other top barriers cited include export documentation (39%), regulations and standards (35%) and tariffs (33%). More details can be found here.

Suffolk Chamber offers Custom Health Check. Our Customs Health Check is designed to review your company’s current and historical customs compliance practices, assess potential risks, and identify opportunities for improvement. Whether you're an importer, exporter, or both, this service will ensure your business remains fully compliant with UK customs regulations. If you would like more information on Suffolk Chamber Custom Health Check or guidance and support on Custom Procedures, please get in touch with our international trade team on international@suffolkchamber.co.uk.

Suffolk Chamber International Trade Group (SCITG)

The aim of Suffolk Chamber International Trade Group (SCITG) is to share experiences to support international trade and make sure Suffolk businesses continue to grow and thrive. As well as hearing from policy and thought leaders. The meeting was run under Chatham House rules which allowed for an open and frank discussion. 

Our next SCITG meeting will be held on 25^th November, where we will be joined by our guest speaker Richard Hill from UK Export Finance. You can book your place here

For further details on the group or if you would like to be part of the SCITG, please contact the international team on international@suffolkchamber.co.uk

NEW Chamber Member Benefit

Exciting News: New Customs Health Check launched! 🌍

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Suffolk Chamber Customs Health Check - designed to empower local businesses trading internationally with world-class customs expertise!

Whether you're new to global trade or looking to sharpen your import/export strategies, this initiative brings real value to Suffolk’s business community with:

✅ Direct access to tailored Consultancy & Advisory services
✅ Expert guidance on navigating complex trade regulations
✅ Custom solutions for overcoming import/export challenges

📲 Unlock the full potential of your international trade—learn more now www.suffolkchamber.co.uk/customs  

Events

BCC Driving International Trade Conference 20 March 2025

On Thursday 20 March 2025, BCC will be hosting their inaugural Driving International Trade Conference in Central London. This exclusive event is designed for C-suite leaders who are focused on expanding their international reach and navigating the complexities of global trade.

Event Highlights

Secure Your Spot Now - Priority Application Form: Driving International Trade Conference 2025 - British Chambers of Commerce

East Anglia International Trade Exchange Symposium

📅 Friday 15^th November
9:00 –15.30 BST
Crausaz Wordsworth Building, Robinson College, Adams Rd, Cambridge

‘The Portuguese Offer-International Trade Exchange CIC' will be hosting prestigious high-profile speakers relevant to promoting socio-economic and cultural exchanges between Portugal and the UK.

Covering and informing various aspects of incentives and streamlining internationalization for corporate and private entities between nations, and how Portugal can open doors to other markets through its special agreements.
This is a valued and unique opportunity to establish positive relationships and maximize networking opportunities. Register here or contact Carla Barreto on carlabarreto@theportugueseoffer.com

BCC Unlocking Trade

📅 Thursday 12^th December
8:30 –9.30 BST and 15:30 – 16.30 BST
Online

The Webinar will dive into the latest macro trends identified in the BCC’s Trade Survey research and attendees will gain in-depth insights into BCC’s latest trade policies and analysis, providing valuable information for navigating today’s trade landscape. 

To accommodate our international audience this webinar will be held twice, offering attendees from different time zones the flexibility to join. Each session will cover the same agenda, so please register for the time that best suits your schedule. 

To secure your spot, please register by Tuesday 10th December at 12:00 PM (UK Time). 

Register for the morning session

Register for the afternoon session

Heathrow Relaunches Grant Programme for Exporters 

Heathrow Airport is relaunching its World of Opportunity Programme which helps exporters get their goods and services sold in international markets. 

The initiative offers £2,000 grants to 12 SMEs (one per UK region/nation) to aid in trade missions, research, and training. The programme is open until Monday 23 December, and 12 recipients will be chosen by a panel of experts.

Register 

Training

Find out more about the International Trade Training Courses