UK trade with the US, India and EU

Business and Trade Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 6 Jun 2025 Closed: 24 Apr 2026 Parliament page
The Business and Trade Committee is launching an inquiry into the UK’s trade deals with three of its most important partners: the United States, India, and the European Union. As part of this work, the Committee will scrutinise the detail and implementation of three recent developments: the India Free Trade … Read more
32 Recommendations
17 Conclusions
2 Reports
4 Oral sessions
40 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 52 events
17 Apr
2026
Report published
25 Mar
2026
Correspondence
11 Mar
2026
Correspondence
11 Mar
2026
Correspondence
11 Mar
2026
Correspondence
11 Mar
2026
Correspondence
11 Mar
2026
Correspondence
9 Mar
2026
Oral evidence
9 Mar
2026
Correspondence
9 Mar
2026
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
26 Feb
2026
Correspondence
24 Feb
2026
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
9 Mar 2026
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Amanda Brooks CBE · Department for Business and Trade Chris Bryant MP · Department for Business and Trade Kate Joseph · Department for Business and Trade
10 Feb 2026
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Andrew Dowler · Blackstone Audrey Yvernault · GSK Ben Richardson · CoreWeave Dr Richard Torbett · Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Dr Scott Steedman CBE · British Standards Institution (BSI) Duncan Edwards OBE · British American Business Hugh Milward · Microsoft Jonathan Legh-Smith · UKQuantum Loren Jones · Amentum Paul Weston · Prologis UK Limited Russell Codling · Tata Steel UK
13 Jan 2026
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Trade with the EU
Alastair Gunn · Road Haulage Association Julian Walker · Associated British Ports Matt Hinde · National Grid Oriel Petry · Airbus UK Paul Nowak · Trades Union Congress (TUC) Peter Brennan · UK Steel Sean McGuire · Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Toby Ovens · Broughton Transport Tom Bradshaw · National Farmers' Union
2 Dec 2025
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Amanda Tickel · Deloitte UK Chris Bryant MP · Department for Business and Trade Dr Claus Zimmermann · Ashurst LLP Kate Thornley · Department for Business and Trade Mr John Cooke · TheCityUK Mr Jonathan Brenton · Pernod Ricard Mr Mike Archer · AstraZeneca UK Murray Paul · Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Pankaj S Kulkarni · Tech Mahindra Rachel Timmins · Ceramics UK Tom Bradshaw · National Farmers' Union Tom Wills · Trade Justice Movement
Recommendations & Conclusions
49 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
UK welcomes Economic Prosperity Deal as US expands strategic trade policy.
The United States is expanding the use of trade policy to advance its strategic and security objectives. It is therefore welcome that the United Kingdom has achieved the Economic Prosperity Deal representing a new phase of UK-US economic engagement. (Conclusion, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of the US relationship and confirms it is building on the Economic Prosperity Deal and Tech Prosperity Deal to foster a future-facing partnership with significant investment commitments and cooperation on economic security, supply chains, and critical minerals.
Department for Business and Trade
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2 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Integrate economic engagement with US into geopolitical dialogue and develop deeper industry partnerships.
The UK must integrate economic engagement with the US into our broader geopolitical dialogue and minimise the risks of ad hoc, zero-sum bargaining with a far larger partner by now turning paper promises into binding bargains. The UK should de-risk … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is already working to integrate economic engagement with the US through the Economic Prosperity Deal and Tech Prosperity Deal, securing significant investment and focusing on shared economic security objectives. It notes that the upcoming Critical Minerals Strategy will provide further detail on supply chain security.
Department for Business and Trade
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3 Conclusion Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
UK exporters face worse US trade terms; GT-EPD economic impact remains uncertain.
We welcome the Government’s work to date in securing swift tariff relief for key sectors under the GT-EPD and acknowledge the progress made in challenging circumstances. However, we must acknowledge that UK exporters are now trading with our most significant … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) and highlights achievements such as the Technology Prosperity Deal and preferential tariff rates for steel, aluminium, lumber, and cars. It states it is continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal and working to expand the EPD and reduce tariffs further.
Department for Business and Trade
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4 Conclusion Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
GT-EPD scrutiny limited due to informal negotiation and absent economic impact analysis.
We welcome the extension of the treaty parliamentary scrutiny period from 10 to 20 sitting days, as set out in the Trade Strategy. However, we regret that scrutiny of the GT-EPD are limited due to the trade-related provisions having been … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns by listing past statements to the House and committing to continue informing Parliament on EPD developments, with any final agreement subject to established scrutiny procedures.
Department for Business and Trade
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5 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Maximise pressure on the US to agree final terms for an Economic Prosperity Deal.
Going forward, we recommend the Government now maximises pressure on the US, beginning during and continuing after the President’s State Visit, to agree final terms for a lasting, Economic Prosperity Deal that de-risks the threat of future sectoral tariffs, maximise … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing successes from the President's State Visit, including the Technology Prosperity Deal and preferential tariff rates for steel, aluminium, lumber, and cars. It states it is continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal and will work closely to further reduce tariffs and expand the EPD over time.
Department for Business and Trade
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6 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Ensure all substantive government trade commitments are subject to full parliamentary scrutiny.
We recommend that whenever the Government makes substantive trade commitments, whatever form this takes, it must ensure that they are subject to full parliamentary scrutiny. (Recommendation, Paragraph 51)
Government Response
The government states that it has kept and will continue to keep Parliament informed through statements, affirming that any final agreement for the EPD will be scrutinised by Parliament in line with established procedures.
Department for Business and Trade
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7 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Set out a clear timetable for parliamentary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement of implementing measures.
We further recommend that the Government set out, in advance of ratification, a clear timetable for parliamentary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement and of any implementing measures, so that Members and affected sectors can assess the implications of the deal before … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has already provided updates to Parliament through statements and will continue to keep the House informed. It affirms that any final agreement will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in line with established procedures, but does not commit to setting out a clear timetable in advance of ratification.
Department for Business and Trade
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Ensure adequate time for a full House of Commons debate on the Economic Prosperity Deal.
Given the significance of the Economic Prosperity Deal for UK trade policy, the Government must ensure that time is made available in the House of Commons for a full debate on a substantive motion. (Recommendation, Paragraph 53) National and Sectoral … Read more
Government Response
The government lists past ministerial statements and pledges to keep Parliament informed on EPD developments, asserting that any final agreement will be scrutinised in line with established procedures, but it does not commit to holding a full debate on a substantive motion.
Department for Business and Trade
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9 Conclusion Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Economic Prosperity Deal automotive tariff reductions constrained by 100,000-vehicle quota and allocation uncertainty.
We agree with the UK automotive industry that the tariff reductions secured under the Economic Prosperity Deal are to be welcomed, but the benefits are constrained by the 100,000-vehicle quota and uncertainty around how it will be allocated. (Conclusion, Paragraph … Read more
Government Response
The government clarifies that the 100,000-vehicle quota for UK automotive exports to the US, at a 10% tariff rate, will be administered by the US on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis starting January 1, 2026.
Department for Business and Trade
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10 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Work with industry to monitor, allocate, and expand the 100,000-vehicle automotive quota.
The Government must work with industry to closely monitor use of the 100,000-vehicle automotive quota under the GT-EPD, agree a clear, fair mechanism for its allocation and management, and, given the complementary nature of the US and UK automotive industries, … Read more
Government Response
The government states the US will administer the 100,000-vehicle quota on a quarterly first-come, first-served basis from 2026 and confirms regular engagement with industry on UK-US trade.
Department for Business and Trade
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11 Conclusion Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
No detailed agreement reached on steel and aluminium tariff-reducing quota, causing sector uncertainty.
While the General Terms of the Economic Prosperity Deal outline an intention to establish a tariff-reducing quota for UK steel and aluminium exports, no detailed agreement has yet been reached. Key issues remain unresolved including the size of the quota, … Read more
Government Response
The government addresses the uncertainty by stating the UK will maintain a preferential 25% tariff rate on steel and aluminium exports to the US. It also details several other actions taken to support the steel industry, including new trade measures and funding.
Department for Business and Trade
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12 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Maximise pressure on the US to minimise tariffs for UK steel and aluminium.
The Government must maximise pressure on the US to minimise tariffs for UK steel and aluminium producers and work to ensure that any final agreement reflects the realities of UK supply chains and the sector’s transition to low- carbon production. … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has already secured a preferential 25% tariff rate for UK steel and aluminium exports to the US, preventing a 50% increase, and details several bold actions taken to support the steel industry's competitiveness and low-carbon transition.
Department for Business and Trade
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13 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Bring forward reforms to the Trade Remedy Authority for faster implementation of trade defences.
Furthermore, the Government must bring forward reforms to the operation of the Trade Remedy Authority in order to ensure that is capable of moving at the same speed as the EU in implementing trade defences against diverted products into the … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is seeking to introduce legislation to make the UK’s trade remedies system more accessible, assertive, and agile as soon as parliamentary time allows, with further details to be announced later. The Trade Remedies Authority is also committed to reforming its processes for faster delivery and building capability.
Department for Business and Trade
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14 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Continue engaging with industry and US to address tariffs on steel and aluminium derivatives.
The Government must also continue to urgently engage with UK industry, and the US administration, to understand and address the full impact of steel and aluminium derivative products being subject to a 25% tariff. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76)
Government Response
The government states it is regularly engaging with UK businesses and sectors on the impact of US tariffs, noting that the 25% tariff provides a competitive advantage compared to the 50% faced by other countries.
Department for Business and Trade
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15 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Press United States for clarity and wider tariff relief for UK pharmaceutical exports.
The Government should continue to press for clarity from the United States on the conditions attached to future preferential access for UK pharmaceutical exports, and, where appropriate, secure wider tariff relief for scientific and medical products. Given the positive outcome … Read more
Government Response
The government affirms its commitment to the UK pharmaceutical sector within its Industrial Strategy and states it will continue to press the US for outcomes that deliver benefits for UK industry, aligning with the recommendation to seek clarity and wider tariff relief.
Department for Business and Trade
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16 Conclusion Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Government unable to prevent Vivergo plant closure, impacting bioethanol production capacity.
We were disappointed to hear that the Government were unable to provide support to the bioethanol industry to prevent the closure of the Vivergo plant. This has already had a substantial impact on domestic production capacity of bioethanol, associated supply … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the concern by stating that DBT officials are continuing to monitor and assess risks across the supply chain in collaboration with other departments.
Department for Business and Trade
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17 Recommendation Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Work urgently with UK bioethanol industry to protect domestic production capacity and supply chains.
We recommend that the Government continue to work urgently with the remaining UK bioethanol industry to co-design appropriate support measures. These should protect domestic production capacity and associated supply chains while medium-term supply side policies take effect. (Recommendation, Paragraph 99) … Read more
Government Response
The government states that DBT officials are continuing to work closely with other government departments to monitor and assess risks across the supply chain, but it does not specifically commit to co-designing support measures with the bioethanol industry.
Department for Business and Trade
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18 Recommendation Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Drive further negotiations with US to de-risk tariffs and expand economic co-operation.
The Government must now drive forward further negotiations with the US to de-risk the threat of future tariffs, seek to match EU terms where those are preferential to those for the UK, lock in agreed tariff reductions and expanding co-operation. … Read more
Government Response
The government states that UK-US discussions are continuing under the EPD General Terms, with a view to achieving a significantly preferential outcome and expanding the agreement, but it provides no specific commitments or timelines for de-risking tariffs or matching EU terms.
Department for Business and Trade
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19 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Commence Industrial Strategy Council use to craft ambitious vision for US-UK trade cooperation.
Further negotiations could benefit from being mission-focused, in order to avoid the pit-falls of ad-hoc zero sum negotiations. This should include, for example, fostering deeper integration of US and UK science, research and universities communities and convening the investment community … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights that the Tech Prosperity Deal already fosters integration of science and technology communities, and mentions the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council was formed in December 2024 to convene experts and make recommendations on international partnerships and trade.
Department for Business and Trade
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20 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Approach Economic Prosperity Deal as strategic economic and foreign policy for Western leadership.
It is vital that the UK approaches the EPD not merely as a trade arrangement, but as a component of an economic and foreign policy strategy focused on ensuring Western leadership in the face of global competition, particularly from China. … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need for a strategic economic and foreign policy approach to the EPD, stating it will integrate modern trade tools, strengthen defences against unfair practices, and implement its Industrial and Trade Strategies, including launching a Supply Chain Centre to map vulnerabilities and build resilience.
Department for Business and Trade
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21 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Strike balance in digital trade to promote AI while safeguarding UK sovereign capabilities.
Any future digital trade provisions negotiated under the Economic Prosperity Deal should strike a careful balance: promoting AI adoption and cross-border collaboration to strengthen the Western technological 55 alliance, while safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring fair taxation, and enabling the development … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, stating it is in line with the UK's approach to EPD discussions and that the UK and US have agreed to negotiate ambitious digital trade provisions to promote growth while safeguarding interests.
Department for Business and Trade
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22 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Work with industry to prevent UK-US economic alignment creating unintended trade obstacles.
The Government should work closely with industry to ensure that closer UK– US alignment on economic security measures, such as investment screening and export controls, does not create unintended obstacles for legitimate trade and collaboration. It should provide clear guidance … Read more
Government Response
The government states that industry engagement is central to its approach, citing existing initiatives like NPSA and ECJU guidance, and commits to establishing a new Economic Security Advisory Service to provide advice, guidance, and facilitate dialogue with businesses.
Department for Business and Trade
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23 Recommendation Deferred
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation and consider forced labour import bans.
In line with the previous recommendations of this Committee, the Government should align with other countries to introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation, and consider new levers such as import bans on products from regions where forced labour prevails, … Read more
Government Response
The government states it has launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, actively examining existing measures and considering new tools like mandatory human rights due diligence and import controls to combat forced labour in supply chains.
Department for Business and Trade
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24 Recommendation Accepted
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Engage stakeholders early to protect UK standards and unlock market access opportunities.
We recognise that the GT-EPD lays important foundations for reducing non- tariff barriers. The Committee urges Government to engage stakeholders early to ensure that future commitments protect UK standards while unlocking market access opportunities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 135) Read more
Government Response
The government states it has been, and will continue to be, extensively engaging with businesses and stakeholders across the economy to protect UK standards while unlocking market access opportunities under the EPD.
Department for Business and Trade
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25 Recommendation Not Addressed
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Ensure UK's economic and strategic interests remain central to Economic Prosperity Deal negotiations.
The Committee will continue to monitor developments closely and expects the Government to ensure that the UK’s economic and strategic interests remain central to the negotiation of the full Economic Prosperity Deal. (Conclusion, Paragraph 140)
Government Response
The government highlights the economic potential of digital technologies and AI, referencing the Tech Prosperity Deal and its commitment to ambitious digital trade provisions and safeguarding the ability to regulate the digital economy, but doesn't explicitly detail how UK's broader economic and strategic interests will be central to the full EPD negotiation.
Department for Business and Trade
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26 Recommendation Acknowledged
10th Report – US Economic Prosperi…
Balance digital trade and AI growth with strong protections for UK standards and industries.
Looking ahead, future commitments in the potential Economic Prosperity Deal must balance opportunities for growth in digital trade, AI, and services with strong protections for UK standards, tax sovereignty, and critical domestic industries. (Recommendation, Paragraph 141) 56 Read more
Government Response
The government highlights the economic potential of digital technologies and AI, referencing the Tech Prosperity Deal and its commitment to ambitious digital trade provisions, and states it will continue to safeguard its ability to regulate the digital economy, but doesn't specifically address the balance for all UK standards, tax sovereignty, and critical domestic industries across the full EPD.
Department for Business and Trade
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Trade agreement delivers immediate market access benefits for goods, including spirits and automotives.
The most immediate benefits are concentrated in goods sectors facing historically high Indian tariffs, particularly spirits and automotives, where the Agreement delivers commercially significant and predictable market access for the first time. The Agreement also delivers new market access in … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the benefits of CETA, predicting it will boost UK GDP by £4.8bn by 2040, and that India will drop tariffs on 90% of lines.
Department for Business and Trade
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3 Conclusion Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Key issues, including bulk whisky tariffs, require resolution to realise full trade agreement benefits.
There remain important issues that will require resolution and ongoing monitoring if the full benefits of the Agreement are to be realised. The Committee heard that the key bulk whisky tariff line has not been liberalised to the same extent … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) oversees the utilization and implementation of the Agreement through awareness campaigns, sector-specific guides, and support for firms. DBT has already engaged over 7,000 organizations, and the government will regularly update Parliament on preparation, utilization, and tariff preference uptake.
Department for Business and Trade
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4 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Address remaining issues undermining trade agreement benefits and regularly report business utilisation to Parliament.
The Government must ensure that the remaining issues which risk undermining the Agreement’s benefits for key sectors are addressed. Ratification should not be treated as the conclusion of the process. Ministers must be held accountable for ensuring that businesses are … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) already oversees the utilisation and implementation of the Agreement through a coordinated, cross-departmental programme, and will update Parliament regularly on preparation, utilisation, and tariff preference uptake, and publish provisional data on utilisation rates within the first year.
Department for Business and Trade
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5 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Trade agreement provides limited new market access for UK services into India.
While the Agreement provides greater certainty and stability for UK services providers, it delivers limited new market access into India. The practical value of the services provisions will therefore depend largely on effective implementation, particularly progress on mutual recognition of … Read more
Government Response
The government states that they will identify and encourage mutually interested UK and Indian bodies to negotiate mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications and will actively facilitate MRPQs where they are of mutual interest, but it is ultimately the regulators' decision.
Department for Business and Trade
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6 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Identify sectors for mutual recognition of professional qualifications and seek progress within twelve months.
The Government should identify sectors where mutual recognition of professional qualifications would benefit both parties and use the Professional Services Working Group to seek progress within twelve months of the Agreement taking effect. It should set out how it intends … Read more
Government Response
The UK and India will both speak to regulators ahead of the first working group meeting, to identify and encourage mutually interested UK and Indian relevant bodies to enter into negotiations on mutual agreements or arrangements for recognition of professional qualifications.
Department for Business and Trade
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7 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
India-UK trade agreement brings no significant changes to India's IP regime.
The Committee concludes that the Agreement does not introduce significant changes to India’s intellectual property regime that are likely to support growth in UK pharmaceutical exports. At the same time, the Committee recognises India’s role as a major producer of … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the IP chapter goes beyond India's precedent in FTAs, supporting the economy through IP rights protection and enforcement. They will continue to advance this agenda through the Working Group on Intellectual Property Rights and a specialist Intellectual Property attaché in India.
Department for Business and Trade
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8 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Utilise Working Group on Intellectual Property for UK strategic progress with India.
The Government should use the Working Group on Intellectual Property to pursue further progress with India in areas of mutual benefit and UK strategic importance, including in sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. This should include continued dialogue on issues … Read more
Government Response
The government will continue to advance the IP agenda through the Intellectual Property Rights Working Group outlined in the FTA, and aligned with UK business priorities.
Department for Business and Trade
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9 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Trade agreement modestly extends existing mobility arrangements with limited labour market impact.
The Agreement locks in and modestly extends existing arrangements for mobility. The Government maintains that the provisions are limited in scope and will not have a material impact on the UK labour market. (Conclusion, Paragraph 70)
Government Response
The government acknowledges that the mobility provisions within CETA apply to short-term service supply and are not expected to have a material impact on the UK's labour market.
Department for Business and Trade
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10 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Monitor closely and report labour market impacts arising from the trade agreement.
The Government should closely monitor labour market impacts arising from the Agreement and report back to Parliament on its assessment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 71) Sustainability and labour standards
Government Response
The government states that the mobility provisions are not expected to have a material impact on the labour market. They also mention that the Department for Business and Trade intends to monitor and evaluate the agreement, which is already stated in the impact assessment.
Department for Business and Trade
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11 Conclusion Deferred
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
ESG frameworks in trade agreement lack impact due to absent enforceable dispute settlement.
The Committee concludes that the Agreement establishes useful environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks. However, while the inclusion of standalone chapters on anti-corruption, labour rights, environment, gender equality and development represent a step forward in India’s trade agreements, their impact … Read more
Government Response
The government mentions a Responsible Business Conduct review that will be critical to ensuring businesses operate responsibly across operations and supply chains and will update Parliament when the review is complete.
Department for Business and Trade
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12 Recommendation Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Ensure Responsible Business Conduct Review creates enforceable human and labour rights expectations for businesses.
The Government should ensure that its ongoing Responsible Business Conduct Review results in clear and enforceable expectations on UK businesses, including respect for human rights and labour rights within their supply chains. The Government should report to Parliament on the … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Responsible Business Conduct review will be critical to ensuring businesses operate in a way that respects human rights, labour rights, the environment, and anti-corruption measures, and will update Parliament when the review is complete.
Department for Business and Trade
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13 Conclusion Not Addressed
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Create ambitious vision for Bilateral Investment Treaty to re-energise investment talks.
The absence of a concluded bilateral investment treaty means that greater certainty for investors remains an ambition rather than a secured outcome. Ministers should set to the work of creating an ambitious compelling vision for the potential of a BIT … Read more
Government Response
The government response is an exact duplicate of the committee's conclusion, and does not offer any information.
Department for Business and Trade
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14 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Uncertainty during trade agreement ratification risks delaying commercial decisions for UK businesses.
The Committee notes evidence that uncertainty during the ratification period risks delaying commercial decisions, particularly in sectors where tariff reductions under the Agreement are commercially significant. Given the absence of provisional application, timely ratification and clear communication on implementation timelines … Read more
Government Response
HM Government will continue to update Parliament regularly on preparation, utilisation, and tariff preference uptake and will endeavour to publish provisional data on utilisation rates within the first year.
Department for Business and Trade
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Tariff liberalisation risks limited utilisation and increased competitive pressures for some UK sectors.
Tariff liberalisation under the Agreement is commercially meaningful for key UK exports. However, long staging periods, complex rules of origin and administrative burdens risk limiting utilisation, particularly among SMEs. The Committee notes that some sectors, including textiles, ceramics and potentially … Read more
Government Response
HM Government will continue to update Parliament regularly on preparation, utilisation, and tariff preference uptake, will work with industry and the Government of India on concerns raised, and will establish clear and continuous feedback loops with UK businesses.
Department for Business and Trade
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16 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Publish utilisation data and regularly report on tariff preferences uptake to Parliament.
Concerns about remaining barriers to trade undermining UK exports to India despite the Agreement are well-founded. The Government should publish utilisation data for tariff preferences under the Agreement, consistent with its approach for other UK free trade agreements, and report … Read more
Government Response
The government will regularly update Parliament on FTA utilisation and tariff preference uptake, and will publish provisional data on utilisation rates within the first year, subject to information from Indian customs. They will also work with industry and the Indian government to address trade barriers, using working groups and JETCO to resolve issues, including those related to state-level barriers, standards, SPS, and technical regulations.
Department for Business and Trade
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17 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Ensure UK trade remedies and safeguard mechanisms are accessible, timely, and proportionate for import-facing sectors.
The Government should ensure that UK trade remedies and bilateral safeguard mechanisms are accessible, timely and proportionate for sectors facing increased import competition as a result of the Agreement. This should include clear guidance for businesses, particularly SMEs, on how … Read more
Government Response
The government will always consider whether overseas products have an unfair advantage and will use powers to protect sensitive sectors including a ‘bilateral safeguard mechanism’ and SME support.
Department for Business and Trade
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18 Conclusion Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Significant non-tariff barriers impede UK businesses operating in the Indian market.
The Committee notes that UK businesses face significant non-tariff barriers in the Indian market, including regulatory complexity, inconsistent implementation, limited transparency and state-level frictions, as well as specific barriers such as export health certification requirements and India’s expanding use of … Read more
Government Response
The government says the deal tackles non-tariff barriers, will engage businesses to address challenges utilising the agreement, and will use the formal engagement mechanisms in the deal to resolve issues quickly. DBT has a large in-country team in India and substantial teams based in London focused on FTA implementation and utilisation.
Department for Business and Trade
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19 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Open structured, sector-focused discussions with India to reduce identified trade-distorting barriers.
To address non-tariff barriers, the Government should open structured, sector-focused discussions with India to reduce the most trade-distorting barriers identified by industry, using the Sub-Committee on Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment. The Government should clearly identify priority issues and … Read more
Government Response
The government will actively engage businesses to address challenges in utilizing the agreement and use formal engagement mechanisms, including the Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Sub-Committee, to resolve issues. They have a large in-country team in India consisting of sector experts.
Department for Business and Trade
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20 Conclusion Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Sustained political attention and resourcing critical for effective CETA implementation and barrier reduction.
Implementation of CETA is critical to success of the deal and real benefits for UK businesses and growth in the UK economy. Tariff reductions and legal commitments alone will not translate into increased exports or investment 78 unless they are … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Trade Minister is responsible for trade policy and exports and has ministerial responsibility for ensuring FTA implementation is resourced and delivered. They also mention that DBT has teams and a program to ensure businesses can leverage the FTA, including outreach to over 7,000 businesses.
Department for Business and Trade
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21 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Assign clear Ministerial responsibility for FTA implementation to the Minister for Trade.
The Government should assign clear Ministerial responsibility for FTA implementation, which should be identified in the portfolio of the Minister for Trade and listed as one of their ministerial responsibilities. The Minister must ensure that implementation of FTAs, including CETA, … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the current Trade Minister is already responsible for both trade policy and exports and has ministerial responsibility for ensuring the implementation of FTAs is resourced and delivered, with substantial teams in place to support this.
Department for Business and Trade
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22 Recommendation Accepted
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Publish a detailed CETA implementation plan, including business routes and resourcing commitments.
The Government should publish a detailed CETA implementation plan, no later than three months before entry into force, including routes for businesses to raise market access problems; points of contact in the UK and in India; sector-specific guidance (including for … Read more
Government Response
The Government states that it is already committed to implementing CETA effectively and is ensuring that UK businesses are fully equipped to benefit from these opportunities. It refers to existing engagement with Chambers of Commerce, JETCO, working groups, and tools for businesses, but gives no specifics.
Department for Business and Trade
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23 Recommendation Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Schedule a debate on a substantive motion for the Agreement to enable meaningful scrutiny.
The Committee welcomes the Government’s commitment to make time available in the House of Commons for a debate on the Agreement during the CRaG period. However, we are disappointed that the Government intends to seek only a general debate. Given … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is grateful for the scrutiny and proactively sought a debate in both Houses on this deal to recognize the relevant committees’ respective inquiries and commitment to transparency.
Department for Business and Trade
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24 Recommendation Acknowledged
12th Report - UK-India Comprehensi…
Commit to making time available to debate all Free Trade Agreements in the Commons.
The Government should commit to making time available in the House of Commons to debate all FTAs it agrees with other countries. (Recommendation, Paragraph 118) 79
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to provide a debate on any new trade deal during the statutory scrutiny period (where Parliamentary time allows).
Department for Business and Trade
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Government Response AI assessment · 49 of 32 classified
Accepted 29
Acknowledged 15
Deferred 2
Not Addressed 3
Total 32 recs + 17 conclusions
Correspondence 40 letters
25 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister for Industry relating to further information requested on the UK steel industry, 17 March 2026
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11 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State and the Minister for the Constitution and EU relations relating to UK-EU Competition Cooperation Agreement, 3 March 2026
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11 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from Amentum relating to the UK-US Technology Prosperity Deal, 16 February 2026
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11 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from Prologis relating to the Committee's evidence session on 10 February on US trade, 27 February 2026
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11 Mar 2026 From committee Letter to the Minister for Industry relating to the UK steel industry, 2 March 2026
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11 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from National Grid relating to the Committee's evidence session on 13 January on EU trade, 23 January 2026
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9 Mar 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to US tariffs and the US Supreme Court ruling, 6 March 2026
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26 Feb 2026 From committee Letter to the Minister of State for Trade relating to US tariffs and the US Supreme Court ruling, 23 February 2026
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24 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister for Industry relating to the UK steel industry, 19 February 2026
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24 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations relating to an evidence session on UK relations with the European Union, 12 February 2025
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11 Feb 2026 From committee Letter to the Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations and the Minister of State for Trade relating to an evidence session on UK relations with the European Union, 5 February 2025
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11 Feb 2026 From committee Letter to the Minister for Industry relating to the UK steel industry, 11 February 2026
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11 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from Tata Steel relating to the Committee's evidence session on 10 February on UK trade with the US, 3 February 2026
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3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to the start of the scrutiny period for the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 21 January 2026
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3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to a Committee session on the UK's trade policy regarding the EU and US, 22 January 2026
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3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister for Migration and Citizenship relating to mobility provisions in the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 20 January 2026
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3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to changes to the beef quota as part of UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, 20 January 2026
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3 Feb 2026 To committee Letter from the Road Haulage Association relating to the Committee session on 13 January on the EU reset, 16 January 2026
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13 Jan 2026 From committee Letter to the Minister of State for Trade and the Minister for the Constitution and EU relations relating to an evidence session on UK-EU relations, 7 January 2026
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6 Jan 2026 To committee Letter from Minister of State for Trade relating to a parliamentary debate on the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 19 December 2025
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6 Jan 2026 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to the evidence session on 2 December on the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 16 December 2025
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9 Dec 2025 From committee Letter to the Minister of State for Trade relating to further information following evidence session on trade with India, 8 December 2025
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9 Dec 2025 From committee Letter to the Minister of State for Trade relating to confirmation of a debate on the UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 9 December 2025
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4 Dec 2025 To committee Letter from the Ministers for Trade and for Migration and Citizenship relating to migration impacts of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 17 November 2025
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4 Dec 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to an update on UK-US trade, 1 December 2025
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26 Nov 2025 From committee Letter to Minister for Indo-Pacific relating to the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 23 October 2025
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25 Nov 2025 From committee Letter to the Minister for Migrations and Citizenship, and the Exchequer Secretary relating to Mobility Provisions and Fiscal Implications of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 23 October 2025
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25 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury relating to Double Contributions Convention in the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 17 November 2025
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25 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister for Trade relating to a Call for Evidence on the UK’s potential accession to the Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention, 17 November 2025
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25 Nov 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister for Indo-Pacific relating to strategic and geopolitical considerations of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, 19 November 2025
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21 Oct 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to UK-US Trade, 13 October 2025
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21 Oct 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade relating to the Ratification Plan for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, 14 October 2025
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14 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security relating to tariffs on finished goods exported to the US, 5 September 2025
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2 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State relating to Parliamentary scrutiny of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, 22 July 2025
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2 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State relating to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, 23 July 2025
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22 Aug 2025 From committee Letter to the Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security relating to tariffs on finished goods exported to the US, 22 August 2025
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15 Jul 2025 From committee Letter to the Secretary of State relating to parliamentary scrutiny of the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal, 9 July 2025
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15 Jul 2025 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State relating to UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, 26 June 2025
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24 Jun 2025 From committee Letter to Trade Ministers relating to UK-EU Common Understanding, 16 June 2025
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24 Jun 2025 To committee Letter from Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security relating to UK-US EPD update, 18 June 2025
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