Department for International Trade

We are unable to publish a breakdown of the number of companies The Department for International Trade has helped by constituency. Export support for businesses in Bolton is provided through our Northern Powerhouse regional team. Of the £38m Internationalisation Fund, £16.5m is allocated to the Northern Powerhouse alone, with the target of providing co-investment to over 3,300 companies. We provide a range of support mechanisms, and for instance, this June, the Northern Powerhouse team brought an inward delegation of international buyers to the Global Offshore Wind Summit in Manchester, highlighting to the world the North’s capability in this sector.

The Maritime Capability Campaign Office (MCCO) was launched on 10 March 2022, to support maritime exports and investment opportunities. The MCCO's spend for 2021/22 financial year was £1.432m this was to carry out initial development work. The MCCO has been allocated an additional £10.569m for 2021/2025 subject to approval of a full business case. This business case is currently under review by HM Treasury.

The Maritime Capability Campaign Office (MCCO) was launched on 10 March 2022 to support maritime exports and investment opportunities. We are still in the process of recruiting to the MCCO but as of 27 June 2022 the MCCO employed 17 full-time staff and 5 part-time staff.

The Media Buying framework agreement (RM6003) started 7 November 2018 and ended 21 May 2022 and has now expired. The framework agreement was awarded to OMD Group Ltd (OmniGov) following a competitive tendering process in 2018. Customers used this framework agreement by putting in place a call-off contract.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has spent £39.7m (excluding VAT, which is recoverable) under RM6003 between May 2018 and May 2022. This has delivered marketing campaigns both domestically and internationally, promoting British goods and services and working to secure investment into the UK.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Membership reached a consensus-based decision on the TRIPS Agreement at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held between 12 and 17 June 2022. The Decision, which has a five-year duration and is limited to COVID-19 vaccines, streamlines compulsory licencing processes for developing countries. The UK engaged constructively in the discussions with the wider WTO Membership, including India, the US, South Africa and the EU, demonstrating flexibility to help broker consensus.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Membership reached a consensus-based decision on the TRIPS Agreement at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held between 12 and 17 June 2022. The Decision, which has a five-year duration and is limited to COVID-19 vaccines, streamlines compulsory licencing processes for developing countries. The UK engaged constructively in the discussions with the wider WTO Membership, including India, the US, South Africa and the EU, demonstrating flexibility to help broker consensus.

The Department for International Trade is constantly reviewing suitable markets to identify where the appointment of a Trade Envoy can be of greatest benefit to the trade and investment aims of the UK.

Discussions are ongoing with respect to the appointment of a Trade Envoy to Mexico.

I refer the Right Honourable Member for Islington South and Finsbury to the answer I have given today, UIN 13663.

On 23^rd June, the Prime Minister announced that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be launched on 6^th July 2022. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will lead the launch.

HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.

On 23^rd June, the Prime Minister announced that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be launched on 6^th July 2022. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will lead the launch.

HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.

The Department for International Trade’s regional teams engage with Metro Mayors, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), local authorities, and our overseas network to promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in England, supporting 925 single site projects and creating 28,012 new jobs in 2020-21.

The Department leads several activities promoting FDI across the UK through mechanisms such as the Investment Atlas, our High Potential Opportunities Programme, and the GREAT global trade campaign.

We continue to promote Solihull’s investment capabilities through schemes such as Arden Cross. This is one of the UK’s largest development projects, which will be crucial to the Government’s levelling up agenda.

The UK has continuously engaged with the African Group and the Least Developed Countries Group, represented by Tanzania and Bangladesh respectively, throughout the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) debate. A consensus-based agreement on a TRIPS Decision was reached at the World Trade Organisation’s 12^th Ministerial Conference, which both groups are eligible to use.

The Department for International Trade reported spend on consultants in its Annual Report and Accounts and this information is publicly available on www.gov.uk on the following links:

The 2021-2022 consultancy spend will be published in the 2021-2022 Annual Report and Accounts in the coming weeks.

Department for International Trade Annual Report and Accounts 2016 to 2017, page 49

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-trade-annual-report-and-accounts-2016-to-2017

Department for International Trade annual report and accounts 2017 to 2018, page 115

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-trade-annual-report-and-accounts-2017-to-2018

Department for International Trade Annual Report and Accounts 2018 to 2019, page 120

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20200704143806/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-trade-annual-report-and-accounts-2018-to-2019

Department for International Trade Annual Report and Accounts 2019 to 2020, page 109

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20200716232216/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-international-trade-annual-report-and-accounts-2019-to-2020

Department for International Trade Annual Report and Accounts 2020 to 2021, page 137

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1002839/DIT-annual-report-2020-to-2021.pdf

The WTO Membership reached a consensus-based decision on TRIPS at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), held between 12 and 17 June 2022. The Decision focuses on streamlining compulsory licencing processes for developing countries to produce and export COVID-19 vaccines. The UK engaged constructively in the discussions, demonstrating flexibility to help broker consensus.

The Department for International Trade’s (DIT’s) regional teams engage with Metro Mayors, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), local authorities, and our overseas network to promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in England, supporting 925 single site projects and creating 28,012 new jobs in 2020-21.

The Department leads several activities promoting FDI across the UK through mechanisms such as the Investment Atlas, our High Potential Opportunities (HPO) Programme and GREAT global trade campaign.

DIT are showcasing the Sustainable Aquaculture HPO won by Dorset LEP to international investors. Our Southern England investment team promote further investment capability in the area through supporting on projects such as the Dorset Innovation Park and BattleLab.

GATT dispute reports are often considered at the World Trade Organisation in dispute settlement proceedings. However, GATT dispute reports do not set precedents in the way that judgments do in the domestic legal system.

The particular case referred to (GD/54) was settled following consultations (SR.18/4) and never came before a GATT adjudicator. There was therefore no GATT dispute report for this case.

According to information held by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) cases have been brought by UK investors under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) on 16 occasions. Of these, 8 relate to the renewable energy sector, and 8 to the oil, gas, and mining sectors. Full case details can be found on the UNCTAD website.

The United Kingdom already has trade deals with 33 Commonwealth nations. In addition, we are negotiating free trade agreements with India, as well as Brunei and Malaysia through the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

A further fifteen Commonwealth nations, who qualify as developing nations, will benefit from reduced tariffs under the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

The United Kingdom is ready to progress negotiations on a trade deal with the United States when they are ready to do so. In the meantime, both sides have agreed to develop a roadmap to further strengthen Anglo-American trade.

The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

The detailed proposals for the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be published in 2022. When these proposals are published, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will provide a written ministerial statement.

HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.

The detailed proposals for the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) will be published in 2022. When these proposals are published, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade will provide a written ministerial statement.

HM Government believes that growing trading relationships increases UK influence in open conversations with partners on a range of difficult issues, including human rights. The UK will continue to show global leadership in encouraging all states to uphold international human rights obligations and hold those who violate human rights to account.

I am aware of the concerns raised by the Irish Whiskey Association with regard to protection of Irish whiskey, and their objective that Irish whiskey be offered equivalent protection to Scotch whisky in the US. We sought to address this issue through our previous free trade agreement negotiations, and we will continue to raise it in our ongoing engagement with the US.

As of June 2022, nine full time employees are employed in the Department for International Trade’s Northern Ireland hub.

We have secured trade agreements with 70 countries plus the EU, partners that accounted for £808bn of UK bilateral trade in 2021.

The Department for International Trade can report significant progress this year. We have signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand and a Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore. We have completed three rounds of FTA negotiations with India and one round with Canada. We have completed a Call for Input on an enhanced FTA with Israel, and launched FTA negotiations with Mexico, Switzerland and Greenland. We are preparing to launch FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Aerospace sector is a critical part of our economy and great example of the exporting potential of the UK, having exported £24.3bn of goods and services in 2020, over 97% of total production.

The Secretary of State and the DIT ministerial team has regular engagement with several aerospace companies to help boost their exports and secure vital foreign investment into the sector.

The aerospace sector is governed by bi-lateral and multilateral agreements that facilitate low and zero tariffs on the trade in aircraft goods, but the sector can also benefit from provisions in FTAs, for example digital and innovation.

Leveraging our extensive overseas network, Ministers are constantly looking for opportunities for British companies, including those in the Aerospace sector.

UK Export Finance spent £7,915,609.69 (including VAT) over the four year period between May 2018 and May 2022 through framework agreement RM6003.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has significantly exacerbated one of the most severe food and energy crises in recent history, which now threatens the poorest and most vulnerable globally.

The G7 is committed to providing support to those countries who need it and ensuring any sanctions against Russia have no direct impact on food security or supply chains.

The UK is working with Ukraine and international partners to help Ukraine export its grain and play its role as the breadbasket of the world. We will continue to fund humanitarian aid and economic support for those who need it most.

The Department for International Trade has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave her on 14^th June (UIN 15271).

During the Dialogues in Baltimore and Aberdeen, Ambassador Tai and my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Trade agreed to work together to develop an ambitious roadmap for further bilateral collaboration over the coming weeks, including further collaboration on reducing market barriers.

Last month we signed our first state-level trade and economic development Memorandum of Understanding with Indiana, creating a framework to help remove barriers to trade and investment. We hope to sign more MOUs this year.

We have not and will not compromise on our high food safety through our trade negotiations. These decisions are made independently of free trade agreements (FTAs).

The independent Trade and Agriculture Commission considers whether our FTAs affect the United Kingdom’s statutory protections in relation to animal or plant life or health, animal welfare, and the environment - and recently concluded that the United Kingdom-Australia FTA does not.

In the last 12 months the UK and US have worked together to deliver some major trade breakthroughs, such as resolving the long-running Large Civil Aircraft dispute and agreeing to terminate the Section 301 investigation and suspend tariffs relating to the Digital Services Tax. We have also secured the lifting of the long-standing US ban on the import of British beef and lamb.

Most recently, we successfully removed Section 232 tariffs on imports of UK steel and aluminium products. This will bring welcome relief to the UK steel and aluminium industries which support the jobs of around 80,000 people across the UK supply chain. In response the UK has suspended the rebalancing measures on imports of US products.

During the Trade Dialogues in Baltimore and Aberdeen, Ambassador Tai and Secretary of State Trevelyan agreed to work together to develop a roadmap for further UK US Trade, including further collaboration on reducing market barriers.

We have also recently signed our first state-level trade and economic development Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indiana, which will create a framework to discuss removal of barriers to trade and investment. We hope to sign more MOUs this year.

In the last 12 months the UK and US have worked together to deliver some major trade breakthroughs, such as resolving the long-running Large Civil Aircraft dispute and agreeing to terminate the Section 301 investigation and suspend tariffs relating to the Digital Services Tax. We have also secured the lifting of the long-standing US ban on the import of British beef and lamb.

Most recently, we successfully removed Section 232 tariffs on imports of UK steel and aluminium products. This will bring welcome relief to the UK steel and aluminium industries which support the jobs of around 80,000 people across the UK supply chain. In response the UK has suspended the rebalancing measures on imports of US products.

During the Trade Dialogues in Baltimore and Aberdeen, Ambassador Tai and Secretary of State Trevelyan agreed to work together to develop a roadmap for further UK US Trade, including further collaboration on reducing market barriers.

We have also recently signed our first state-level trade and economic development Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indiana, which will create a framework to discuss removal of barriers to trade and investment. We hope to sign more MOUs this year.

Respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights underpins the United Kingdom–Andean Countries Trade Agreement. The treaty allows for ‘appropriate measures’ to be taken by any member state ‘in accordance with international law’ where breaches occur. The agreement also includes a Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter, which aims to ensure that both Parties encourage high levels of environmental and labour protection. This chapter provides for an annual TSD Sub-Committee, which is an opportunity for the UK to raise concerns with partner countries where we believe there have been violations of workers’ rights or environmental commitments. The Sub- Committee last met in April 2022.

The Government shares the public’s high regard for workers' rights and the Prime Minister has been clear that there will be no reduction in UK protections in signing up to new Free Trade Agreements.

The agreements secured with both Australia and New Zealand demonstrate our resolve to maintain workers’ rights, and our commitment to maintain high standards.

The Government has also committed to maintaining these standards in various public mandates, that set out our approach to trade negotiations.

I refer the Hon. Member for Brentford and Isleworth to the answer given by my Hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Minister for International Trade, on 9 June, UIN: 13147.

In a speech on 18 May, the Secretary of State for International Trade set out the UK's ambitions to become a global leader on Green Trade, including through driving greater investment into green industries that will boost economic growth, strengthen supply chains and increase exports, whilst cutting emissions.

The Department has already taken major steps to build the UK’s green industrial base, including those detailed in my answer to the hon. Member for Stockton South on 19 April 2022 (UIN 148430), and my answer to the hon. Member for Hendon on 30 November 2021 (UIN 79334).

To build on successes to date, this Autumn the Department for International Trade, along with the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, will host a Green Trade and Investment Expo in the North East of England, to showcase green investment opportunities, as well as promoting the UK’s climate solutions to overseas buyers.

In lockstep with allies, we continue to impose the largest, most severe economic sanctions Russia has faced.

Sanctions imposed by the UK and international partners are having damaging consequences for Putin’s ability to wage war, with around £275 billion – up to 60% of Russian foreign currency reserves – currently frozen.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office analysis shows Russia is heading for the deepest recession since the Soviet Union’s collapse, deeper than the 2008 global financial crisis. Estimates for Russia’s GDP in 2022 range from -8% to -15%, with the IMF forecasting the economy to continue shrinking a further 2.3% in 2023.

The Department carries out such research for internal use to aid ongoing negotiations, and details are not released due to negotiation sensitivities.

As advised in my response to the Honourable Member’s previous question (UIN 148424), during financial year 2020/21 UK Export Finance (UKEF) provided support of £12.3 billion to UK exporters selling to 77 countries around the world, supporting 549 companies directly (of whom 79% were small and medium sized enterprises), and thousands more indirectly in supply chains. During that year, UKEF supported around 107,000 UK jobs. UKEF provided £29 billion of support to UK exporters during the period 2016/17 to 2020/21.

UKEF was recently named the world’s best ECA at the International TFG Trade Awards 2022.

In the financial year 2020-21, we resolved over 200 trade barriers across 74 countries. Removing these barriers supports British businesses to trade globally, such as opening access to Indonesia’s cosmetics market that imports £374 million a year, and access to the US for British lamb that is estimated to be worth £37 million in first five years of trade.

This year, we reached the final phase of the process to join the £9 trillion GDP Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc, which includes Chile and Peru.

Beyond trade agreements, we are working with regional partners to grow trade and open markets. British pork producers are now able to export to Chile, a market worth over £280 million in 2021 and, through initiatives like our annual roadshow, we are helping British businesses to seize opportunities in the region, like GlaxoSmithKline who are set to open a new vaccine distribution centre in Uruguay.