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Don’t get hopes up over EU trade ‘reset’, warns BIFA

[ February 19, 2025   //   ]

While much has been written recently about a possible ‘reset’ in the relationship between the UK and the EU, British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general Steve Parket says it may raise unrealistic expectations of what could be achieved.

Noting that whilst the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK is due for review in 2026, much of the preparatory work will be undertaken this year, he comments: “There has been lots of speculation about the issues a reset might address, which has so far been characterised by warm words on both sides, but very little detail about possible policy changes.

“Both sides are committed to the full implementation of the current TCA but at present there doesn’t seem any appetite to implement any significant changes, particularly relating to frontier processes.

“In a way this is not surprising as considerable effort and cost has been incurred to implement new procedures at the frontier and time is still required to establish how well they will actually work in practice.”

BIFA says its members of the need to be realistic over any aspirations about what might be achieved during any trade negotiations.

In an episode of BIFAlink TV, which aired on 17 February, member policy and compliance director, Robert Windsor, discussed the forthcoming ‘reset’ of the UK-EU trade relationship; reflecting on the key areas impacted by Brexit and assessing the aspects of trade that could be considered as part of the forthcoming review.

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