The British Ports Association (BPA) has responded to the UK’s EU trade priorities.
Following the publication of the UK government’s approach to the EU trade negotiations, the BPA’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne, said: “The BPA supports an ambitious free trading agenda for the UK, but this should not mean erecting new non-tariff barriers with some of its most important markets. The BPA is concerned that the UK’s approach to negotiations with the EU lacks ambitions when it comes to non-tariff barriers, and does not fully appreciate the role that frictionless trade has played in supporting advanced and critical supply chains.
It must be ensured that importers and exporters continue to trade and are not prevented from dealing with important markets. Also, it goes without saying the clock is ticking and the logistics sector now needs to know exactly what to prepare for.”