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UK launches critical supply chain strategy

[ January 17, 2024   //   ]

The Department for Business and Trade launched a Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy on 17 January. It aims to safeguard supplies of goods such as medicines, minerals and semiconductors in the wake of the recent shipping disruptions.

It cited the recent attacks in the Red Sea, along with the unprecedented challenges of recent years, like the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and environmental disasters. The strategy would further equip UK businesses to deal with global supply chain problems and access the imports essential to the functioning of the UK. 

The government will share vital information and guidance with businesses on the risks to key supply chains and the practical steps they can take to protect themselves from disruption, including regular updates on emerging risks, such as new export bans on critical everyday goods imposed by other countries.

There will be a new online portal to allow businesses to quickly report red tape or disruption affecting their critical imports. The government will then work to remove these barriers wherever possible.

It would also pursue further trade deals to help UK importers access the critical goods they need efficiently and affordably. This provides certainty for traders, allowing businesses to make informed decisions and reduce delays at the border, helping drive growth and streamlining costs.he government adds that it will also pursue further trade deals to help UK importers access critical goods and provide certainty for traders.

A new Critical Imports Council will allow businesses and government to work together to identify risks to critical imports and develop a plan of action.

More than 100 top UK firms, including pharmaceutical and manufacturing leaders like The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and Green Lithium have contributed to the strategy.

Launching the strategy at Heathrow Airport, Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said: “With this strategy we’re equipping business so they no longer have to rely on unpredictable partners for supplies of the goods that keep our country going. By making supply chains stronger we’re helping make the UK a truly safe and reliable place to do business.”

Heathrow airport chief commercial officer, Ross Baker, said: “Heathrow connects the UK to 95% of the world’s economy and facilitates imports of the high value, time-critical goods that British industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and technology rely on. We welcome Government initiatives that make doing business in the UK easier and more efficient, from shoring up supply chains to streamlining cargo processes at the airport, so Heathrow can meet growing demand to import and export across the globe.”

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