Our Briefing Papers provide a unique analysis of various elements of trade policy in the post-Brexit era.
Briefing Paper 83 - How Much Free Trade in UK Free Trade Agreements?Our animated videos help to explain the effects of trade policy. This video explains direct and indirect ways of trading services internationally, and looks at the implications for trade policy, particularly trade agreements.
For more trade explainers, visit our animations page.
Charlotte Humma November 25th, 2016
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Share this article: 04 October 2024 – Peter Holmes is a Fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory and Emeritus Reader in Economics at the University of Sussex Business School. The 2024 World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum was sure to be a fascinating occasion given the interest in the topic, inclusivity and green trade, and the stellar cast of speakers. But what of the future of the WTO itself? Many observers have come to feel that with the negotiating function and the Appellate Body (AB) both log-jammed, there wasn’t much for the WTO to do apart from hosting events like the Public Forum. Despite the logjam in negotiations and the apparent death (certainly more than a very deep sleep) of the Appellate Body, the WTO is still delivering value to its members in its routine committee work. It continues to promote transparency etc, and Dispute Settlement Panels still operate,… Read More
Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher October 4th, 2024
Posted In: UK - Non EU, UK- EU
Tags: WTO
Share this article: 27 September 2024 – Ana Peres is a Lecturer in Law at the University of Sussex and a member of the UKTPO. Lawyers, economists and political scientists are increasingly using a new term to frame discussions on current trade relations and policies: geoeconomics. This means that countries are intervening in strategic economic sectors not primarily for profit but to ensure autonomy, build resilient supply chains and secure access to valuable capabilities. Such approach contrasts with the ideals of free trade, market access and interdependence that shaped international trade for decades. These traditional ideals, even when supported by a so-called ‘rules-based system’, always posed challenges for developing countries to meet their objectives. So, what does geoeconomics mean for developing countries? Unfortunately, it threatens to sideline them even more. Consider one of the main areas where geoeconomic strategies are at play: the development of clean technologies. Governments are implementing… Read More
Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher September 27th, 2024
Posted In: UK - Non EU, UK- EU
Tags: Geoeconomics, WTO
Share this article: 23 September 2024 – Peter Holmes is a Fellow of the UK Trade Policy Observatory and Emeritus Reader in Economics at the University of Sussex Business School. In recent weeks Sir Keir Starmer has visited Germany, France, Ireland and Italy, each in the name, he says, of turning a corner on Brexit, resetting the UK’s relationship with Europe and – most importantly – raising economic growth. The OBR estimates Brexit in its current form to be costing the UK a permanent non recoverable 4% of GDP pa. So far, the PM’s visits to the EU have been good symbolism. Recent UK opinion polling shows increased public support for building back closer ties with the EU, reflecting that there are many in the UK, including a growing contingent of “Bregretters”, who would like to repair the economic and political damage done since 2016. On the European side the… Read More
Jessie Madrigal-Fletcher September 23rd, 2024
Posted In: UK- EU
