Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the removal of seasonal tariffs under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme on UK business sectors.

The Developing Countries Trading Scheme entered into force in June 2023 following thorough consultation and analysis. This included consultation with private sector stakeholders on UK market sensitivities. Seasonal tariffs were subsequently removed for four products (strawberries, cucumbers, artichokes, and wilkings) for imports from Enhanced Preferences countries. Where there is a risk to UK competitiveness, tariffs have been retained. The Government keeps trade preferences under review and may amend them in line with strategic trade priorities.