UK Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy
The events of recent years have severely disrupted the global supply chains which we rely on for our critical imports. In a rapidly changing world the UK needs to adapt to these challenges and seize opportunities to ensure the reliable flow of vital goods that underpin our prosperity.
The critical import and supply chain strategy helps UK businesses build secure and reliable supply chains, which are vital to:
- the UK’s economic prosperity
- national security
- the delivery of our essential services
The strategy sets out how government will work with business and international partners across 5 priorities:
- Making the UK government a centre of excellence for supply chain analysis and risk assessment.
- Removing critical import barriers to support the UK’s business-friendly environment.
- Building the UK’s response to global supply chain shocks.
- Ensuring the UK can adapt to long-term trends.
- Expanding collaboration between government, business and academia.
Responding to the release of the Government’s Critical Imports and Supply Chain Strategy, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, at the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“This strategy provides a substantial and compelling picture of the reliance an open trading economy, like the UK’s, has on these imports.
“We welcome its publication and its 18 recommendations, particularly the establishment of a Critical Imports Council, offering a focus on how the strategy is being delivered.
“We believe there is a role that trade policy can play, alongside inward investment strategy and industrial policy, to increase supply chain security.
“We would encourage Government to consider using free trade agreements and other mutual recognition deals with like-minded partners to broaden the UK’s supply sources.
“In particular, we hope the UK can develop deeper relationships with key critical material countries like Chile, and successfully conclude a Critical Minerals Agreement with the US.
“The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East show the UK’s deep connectivity with the rest of the world for key medicines, communications technology and components for manufacturing.
“We believe the Strategy sets out the right approach and look forward to engaging on how it can be delivered in the interests of growth in trade and inward investment.”
Please click here to view the full Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy.
