The UK's efforts to forge vital new trade deals to replace EU trading arrangements are reported to have hit a major snag, with global partners objecting to the suggested allocations of trade quotas.
The United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, Uruguay and Thailand -- some of the UK's most important trading partners -- have rejected Britain’s proposed import arrangements for crucial agricultural goods such as meat, sugar and grains after Brexit, the news site Politico reports.
The fact that the UK’s opponents include Canada and New Zealand is said to be a significant setback, because the UK is casting its former colonies as natural commercial allies after it leaves the EU.
The problem has arisen because quotas and tariffs on trade with the rest of the world are currently negotiated by Brussels on behalf of all 28 EU members, and agreed by the World Trade Organisation. After March 2019 (if the deadline for leaving the EU holds), the UK will have to make its own deals -- but that creates a dilemma over how to divide the EU’s current quota arrangements with other countries between the UK and the remaining 27 members. Read more here.
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Published Friday 13 October 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
