International Trade October Briefing
TRADE
Trading with Northern Ireland
New rules on GB to NI parcel movements and customs processes have been postponed from being applied at the end of September until the end of March 2025. Revised guidance was issued yesterday by HMRC.
Easement of import checks on medium-risk fruit and veg extended
The easement on checks for medium risk fruit and vegetable imports into GB has been extended by government until 1 July 2025. This is a temporary measure prior to Ministers evaluating the impact of border controls and impacts upon key import supply chains.
GLOBAL TRADE
UK and Thailand Enhanced Trade Partnership
The UK government signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand this week for an enhanced trading partnership. The agreement focuses economic co-operation on sectors such as automotive, food and drink, financial services, education, healthcare, as well as joint working on investment, customs and digital trade. The MOU could be the first step towards a subsequent free trade agreement between the two countries, which the BCC has encouraged.
Trade and Investment factsheets
The most up to date snapshot of the UK’s trade and investment positions with trading partners overseas. These factsheets summarise the latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and individual overseas partners. Trade statistics inform how we meet the challenges of trade policy and promotion in the UK.
The factsheets provide statistics between the UK and its partners on:
- exports, imports, and total trade
- trade by commodity and service type
- regional trade in the UK for goods
- UK market share for trading partners
- VAT-registered businesses trading goods
- foreign direct investment (FDI)
- summary trade and investment data as reported by each partner
- economic data and projections
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.
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
British Chamber of Commerce Awards: Regional Winners
The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that two of its members have been recognised as regional winners in the prestigious British Chamber Business Awards 2024. These awards celebrate the very best in British business, and we are proud to highlight the achievements of local businesses that have excelled in their respective categories.
Claydon Yield-O-Meter Limited – Global Britain Business of the Year
Frugalpac Ltd – Green Innovation Business of the Year
Find out more about the British Chamber of Commerce Awards
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
UK Export Supplier Fair: Sokodé - Benin Border Road project
📅 22nd October
Hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Hitech Construction Africa, this supplier fair presents an opportunity for UK suppliers to meet directly with the procurement team from Hitech. The event will give businesses the opportunity to understand export opportunities, receive exclusive insights and discuss specific details on the procurement process for UK suppliers for the Sokodé - Benin Border Road Project
UK tech mission to Hong Kong
📅 21st – 25th October
Tech founders looking to enter the Asia Pacific market. Global Tech Advocates and The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong are organising a Tech Founder delegation to Hong Kong. Network with your Tech Founder peers, meet investors, prospects and partners, and tour Hong Kong’s exciting tech cluster hubs. Please share with your members as relevant. Find out more
Training
Suffolk Chamber Innovation Skills Hub: Empowering Your Workforce for the Future
Welcome to the Suffolk Chamber Innovation Skills Hub, where we equip your business with the essential tools to empower, upskill, and reskill your team for a successful future. Our mission is to enhance individual capabilities and improve organisational performance, ensuring your business stays ahead in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
Export Documentation - Training Course - BCC Accredited
📅 Tuesday 12th November
9:30 –15:30 BST
Online
Export documents offer the opportunity for exporters to be more efficient, understand the export process better and the requirements for shipment information. Documents are there to help the exporter get goods into the destination market efficiently. They can also offer commercial advantages to the exporter and their overseas partners, resulting in potential increased sales revenue.
This course looks at export documents, why they are used, what content is required and the benefits they offer. This course is suitable for all levels of exporters as the information can be used both operationally and commercially. Register
Find out more about the International Trade Training Courses
About the author
Suffolk Chamber