The strategy will make the UK the most connected nation in the world while protecting vital industries from global threats and backing businesses to thrive.
🔗 Read the full strategy here: TRADE STRATEGY
Viki Bell comments on the UK’s new Trade Strategy
It’s encouraging to see the Trade Strategy launched in step with the Industrial Strategy — signalling the kind of joined-up thinking across government that our sector has long called for.
We welcome the government’s commitment to extend steel safeguard quotas beyond June 2026 and to consult on future measures — key steps in ensuring stable, high-quality steel supplies for UK manufacturers.
The increase in UK Export Finance to £80 billion, along with new tools to support repeat orders, will give our members greater confidence to bid for and deliver major overseas infrastructure projects.
The digital trade pilots and the new Electronic Trade Documents hub could reduce customs delays by up to 40 percent — exactly the kind of practical change the construction equipment sector needs.
Planned regional cumulation in Africa and expanded agreements in Asia will simplify Rules of Origin paperwork and help keep UK-built equipment competitive in global markets.
The UK–US Mutual Recognition Agreement — now covering 27 states — will make it easier for our chartered engineers to work abroad, providing vital after-sales support for international customers.
We look forward to working closely with DBT and UKEF to ensure construction equipment is well represented in Growth Missions and export planning, so our members can prepare bids, form partnerships and secure contracts with confidence.
