Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he is having with (a) South Africa and (b) other countries that have an existing Free Trade Agreement with the EU on rules of origin or originating content issues arising from the UK's exit from the EU.

We are currently working with existing EU trading partners, including South Africa, to ensure that where preferential trading agreements are in place, arrangements are made that will allow maximum possible continuity in the effect of these agreements, when the UK leaves the EU. This is a technical exercise to ensure continuity in existing trading arrangements.

In this regard, we are engaging with trading partners to understand mutually beneficial options for ensuring the greatest continuity. Rules of Origin, as a key element of trade agreements, form an important part of this ongoing engagement.