The UK’s international trade strategy continues expanding, creating new opportunities in existing markets, while changing the way businesses source, manufacture and distribute goods around the world.
Recent agreements with India, the Gulf, Switzerland and the United States, alongside continued progress towards full membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), are opening access to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets. At the same time, discussions with the European Union continue to focus on reducing border friction with the UK’s largest trading partner.
For businesses, the opportunity extends beyond lower tariffs. Easier market access, simplified customs procedures, greater regulatory cooperation and more resilient international supply chains are becoming increasingly important competitive advantages.
Building stronger links with global growth markets
Much of the UK’s recent trade activity has focused on expanding opportunities beyond Europe.
The UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to become one of the country’s most significant modern trade agreements, reducing tariffs across thousands of product lines while improving access for manufacturers, consumer goods, food and drink, automotive, engineering and professional services.
India’s rapidly expanding economy, growing consumer market and increasing manufacturing capability make it an attractive destination for British exporters and an increasingly important sourcing market for international supply chains.
Momentum is also building across the wider Asia-Pacific region. One of the most significant recent developments has been Mexico’s ratification of the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 22 June 2026. With Canada expected to complete implementation in September, UK businesses will soon gain preferential access across all twelve CPTPP member economies.
Representing around 15% of global GDP and more than 500 million consumers, CPTPP creates opportunities across established markets including Japan, Australia, Singapore and Canada, while strengthening commercial links with Malaysia, Vietnam, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brunei and New Zealand.
For many businesses, the agreement also supports broader supply chain diversification, reducing dependence on traditional sourcing locations while creating greater flexibility across manufacturing and distribution networks.
Europe remains central to UK trade
While international expansion continues, Europe remains fundamental to UK supply chains.
Officials are continuing work on the mandatory review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), alongside negotiations covering sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, emissions trading, energy cooperation and wider regulatory alignment.
Although no formal agreement has yet been concluded, progress on SPS arrangements could significantly reduce border inspections and documentary requirements for food, agricultural products and other regulated goods.
For importers and exporters moving freight through Dover, the Channel Tunnel and other short-sea routes, even incremental improvements to customs procedures have the potential to reduce delays, simplify compliance and improve the reliability of just-in-time supply chains.
The Gulf continues to strengthen its strategic role
The UK’s new Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reflects the growing importance of the Middle East within global trade.
Covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the agreement is expected to remove substantial tariffs on British exports while improving cooperation on digital trade, investment and business mobility.
The timing is particularly significant. Despite continuing geopolitical challenges, the Gulf remains one of the world’s most important logistics regions, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa through major container ports, international airports and integrated distribution hubs.
For businesses exporting food, consumer products, healthcare equipment, advanced manufacturing and technology products, the agreement strengthens access to an increasingly affluent regional market while supporting wider international distribution strategies.
Switzerland and the United States deepen established partnerships
The UK’s latest agreement with Switzerland demonstrates that modern trade agreements increasingly extend beyond tariff reductions.
The deal removes or reduces duties on a wide range of agricultural products, including beef, lamb, dairy products, vegetables and sparkling wine, while strengthening cooperation across services, investment and digital trade. Forecast to increase bilateral trade by more than £7 billion annually, it further reinforces Switzerland’s importance as one of the UK’s highest-value export markets.
Across the Atlantic, the United States and UK are also strengthening commercial cooperation.
Alongside wider trade arrangements, the US-UK pharmaceutical supply chain partnership protects more than £5 billion of annual UK pharmaceutical exports from tariffs while improving cooperation on medicine availability, manufacturing resilience and regulatory alignment.
The agreement reflects a wider shift in government thinking. Rather than focusing solely on reducing tariffs, trade policy is increasingly supporting secure, resilient supply chains for strategically important industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Turning trade opportunities into commercial success
Trade agreements create opportunities, but businesses still need efficient, resilient supply chains to realise their full commercial value.
Expanding into India or CPTPP markets requires dependable ocean and air freight services capable of supporting longer international supply chains. Growing trade with the Gulf places greater emphasis on multimodal transport, regional distribution and customs expertise, while any reduction in UK-EU border friction will improve the efficiency of road freight and cross-border distribution across Europe.
As companies diversify sourcing, manufacturing and export markets, customs compliance, origin management and end-to-end supply chain visibility become increasingly important. Successfully navigating new customs requirements, regulatory frameworks and international transport networks will be essential to converting improved market access into sustainable commercial growth.
As part of one of Asia’s largest logistics groups, Global Forwarding combines deep regional expertise with a truly global freight network to help businesses capitalise on these emerging opportunities. From customs compliance and origin management to multimodal transport, warehousing and integrated supply chain solutions, our teams support customers as they expand into new markets across Europe, the Gulf, North America and the Asia-Pacific.
With extensive operational coverage throughout the USA, UK, EU and China, and experienced local teams across key trading regions, we help businesses build resilient, efficient supply chains that reduce complexity, support international growth and keep pace with a rapidly changing global trading environment.
