Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of digital trade agreements on productivity growth in the UK economy.

In 2023, the UK exported over £300 billion in digitally delivered services worldwide, and an estimated 2.93 million UK employees were working in the digital economy in 2024. Digital trade agreements can support productivity growth by making it easier for businesses to trade online across borders, streamlining processes and helping firms operate more efficiently. Business engagement has highlighted the importance of reducing digital frictions and improving the conditions for cross border trade. These agreements can provide the benefits of digital trade chapters in Free Trade Agreements while remaining agile and flexible, allowing them to better keep pace with rapid technological developments.