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BIFA cautions against overblown expectations of UK-EU trade 'reset'

20 Feb '25
2 min read
 BIFA cautions against overblown expectations of UK-EU trade 'reset'
Pic: BIFA

Insights

  • BIFA has warned that talk of a UK-EU trade 'reset' may create unrealistic expectations.
  • While the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is set for review in 2026, groundwork will start this year.
  • However, no major policy shifts are expected, especially on frontier processes.
  • BIFA has urged its members to stay pragmatic, as significant changes are unlikely, and to focus on compliance and efficiency.

Recent discussions surrounding a potential ‘reset’ in the UK-EU relationship have garnered significant attention, but the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has warned that such terminology may lead to unrealistic expectations regarding what can actually be achieved.

BIFA Director General, Steve Parker, has pointed out that while the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the UK and the EU is set for review in 2026, much of the groundwork for any potential changes will be laid this year. However, he noted that there has been much speculation about what a reset might entail, with little concrete detail emerging about policy shifts.

“Both sides are committed to the full implementation of the current TCA but at present, there doesn’t seem any appetite to implement any significant changes, particularly relating to frontier processes,” Parker stated in a release.

Given the considerable effort and financial resources already invested in implementing new procedures post-Brexit, he emphasised that more time is needed to assess how effectively these systems function in practice.

BIFA has urged its members to remain pragmatic about the upcoming review and any negotiations that may follow, cautioning that expectations should be grounded in reality.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)

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