UK Trade Deals: An Overview | KG Logistics

The United Kingdom has a network of trade agreements, including 39 deals with 73 partners. The aim of these agreements is to promote trade and investment within countries and blocs. These include the likes of the European Union, Australia, the USA, India, and Japan. The UK also has plans to negotiate new trade partnerships with countries such as Switzerland and the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Araba Emirates, and Qatar).

What Is the Importance of Trade Agreements?

• Increased market access – Open up new markets for UK businesses.
• Reduced tariffs – Lowers costs for exporters, increasing revenue.
• Strengthened supply chains – Agreements can improve the flow of goods and services, benefitting businesses and consumers.
• Economic growth – As a result of increased trade and investment.

The UK – Australia Free Trade Agreement (A – UK FTA):

This trade deal has been in place since 2023. It involves the elimination of nearly all tariffs between the two countries as well as provisions for professional services, digital trade, and mobility.

The UK – EU Trade Agreement

This agreement came into effect 1^st January 2021, as a result of the need for a partnership after the UK left the EU. Key aspects of the agreement include zero tariffs and quotas on goods meeting the rules of origin, customs declarations for UK exports to the EU, and provisions for fisheries, security cooperation, and financial services. However, it is still difficult for personal effects to be moved from the UK to EU countries.

How Much Money is Made From UK Trade?

Here are some statistics from the GOV.UK website, using research conducted by the ONS (Office for National Statistics) from May 2024 to May 2025:

• The value of UK trade totalled £1,812.8 billion, a 3% increase on the previous 12 months.
• UK exports reached a value of £883.6 billion, representing a 1.7% increase.
• UK imports totalled £929.2 billion, a 4.2% increase.
• In order, the UK’s top 10 exporters are (data collected for 2024):

1. 1. United States – £196 billion, 22.5%
   2. Germany – £61 billion, 7%
   3. Ireland – £51 billion, 5.9%
   4. Netherlands – £51 billion, 5.8%
   5. France – £46 billion, 5.3%
   6. China – £29 billion, 3.4%
   7. Belgium – £26 billion, 3%
   8. Switzerland – £25 billion, 2.9%
   9. Spain – £20 billion, 2.3%
   10. Italy – £18 billion, 2.1%

• Top UK exports from May 2024 to May 2025:

1. 1. Cars – £31.3 billion
   2. Mechanical Power Generators – £29.9 billion
   3. Pharmaceutical Products –  £25 billion
   4. Non-Ferrous Metals – £15 billion
   5. Crude Oil – £13.2 billion

If you are looking to export cargo from the United Kingdom, or you have an import inquiry, don’t hesitate to get in touch. KG Logistics freight forwarders can offer road, rail, sea, and air freight from the majority of countries around the world. Give us a call on 01634 818344 or email us at sales@kg-logistics.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.