The UK is seeking trade agreements with our major trading partners.

The UK is also seeking to reproduce the effects of existing EU trade agreements for when they no longer apply to the UK. These are called continuity agreements.

Trade agreements set out the rules that cover trade between 2 or more countries. They aim to make trading easier between those countries. They do this by reducing the restrictions on imports and exports between them.

Find out more about trade agreements


Trade negotiations the UK is prioritising

The UK has left the EU. We are now able to negotiate, sign and ratify new trade agreements. These can come into force after 31 December 2020.

The UK’s priority is to launch negotiations with:

  • the EU
  • US
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan
The government is also continuing its programme of work to reproduce effects of existing EU trade agreements.

The government is also considering joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Public engagement

The government is engaging with stakeholders to inform the UK’s trade policy and negotiations.

The government has run consultations on potential future trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand and a call for input on a potential agreement with Japan.

It has also consulted on the government’s intention to potentially join the CPTPP.

The government has established the Strategic Trade Advisory Group and a network of Expert Trade Advisory Groups to support the development of our trade policy and negotiations.

Trade with the US
2 March 2020 Consultation outcome
Trade with Japan
20 September 2019 Closed consultation
Trade with Australia
18 July 2019 Closed consultation
Trade with New Zealand
18 July 2019 Closed consultation

Trade with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership 

18 July 2019 Closed consultation

Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries

Until 31 December 2020, EU agreements can continue to apply to the UK. The UK is seeking to reproduce the effects of existing EU trade agreements for when they no longer apply to the UK.

Agreements that have been signed are expected to take effect from 1 January 2021.

Existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries
4 February 2020 Guidance