Aiming for united trade

As the United Kingdom (UK) figures out how to negotiate the Brexit waters, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has shown support for the prime minister’s vision of a “tariff-free and frictionless trade” with the European Union (EU) and ambitious free-trade agreements with other partners globally.

The FTA’s “Keep Britain Trading” conference on March 15 will provide a timely opportunity to examine and discuss the implications for new trade deals with other countries, and how potential customs tariffs and trade procedure barriers can be reduced when striking these new free trade agreements.

The FTA, the UK’s largest transport trade association, will be examining the implications for Britain’s future trade with Europe arising from the prime minister’s statement. The degree of access to the European market agreed for the UK will be largely determined by the new free-trade and customs agreements, and these will be key topics of discussion during the FTA’s conference.

The UK road transport industry is also highly reliant on EU nationals who work as drivers, warehouse operatives and in other key roles across the sector. “The continued ability of FTA members to employ and recruit these key workers will be essential to their future business success, and the FTA will be seeking assurances that the government recognises and accommodates the essential needs of the logistics sector,” the Association notes.

The prime minister’s commitment to maintain the common travel area in Ireland is welcomed by the FTA as this is one of the key issues of concern to its members.

“A truly global Britain, trading effectively with all nations, is something the FTA welcomes. The Association urges the government to progress bold and ambitious free-trade agreements with key trading partners around the world as quickly as possible to ensure seamless business relationships can continue,” the Association adds.