This month's updates from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)

► UK Trade Data May 2025: ONS data shows UK goods export volumes rose 3.1% and services exports held steady at 0.5% month-on-month. See the full analysis here

► UK-EU Negotiations Update - The EU published a draft mandate to advance talks with the UK on food paperwork and ETS linkage. The BCC has called for rapid progress to reduce business costs.

►ICCUK Digital Trade Taskforce - The BCC met with Gareth Thomas MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports), to discuss Chamber-led digital B2B trade corridors with Europe as part of electronic trade documentation reforms.

►Rules of Origin and Industrial Goods - The BCC met with the Department for Business and Trade to review rules of origin developments under the UK Trade Strategy and priorities for trade with the US and neighbouring markets.

►International Chamber of Commerce Trade Commission - The BCC took part in the ICC Global Trade Policy Commission meeting. ICC will campaign through to the next WTO Ministerial in Cameroon to promote rules-based global trade.

►US Copper Tariffs Imposed - From 1st August, the US has introduced 50% tariffs on semi-finished and derivative copper products, including wiring. Negotiations between the UK and US on supply chain and security issues are expected. The BCC are seeking clarity from Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on possible UK exemption. US de minimis exemptions for goods under $800 will end on 29th August.

►US-EU Tariff Deal Announced - The US and EU have agreed a 15% tariff cap across most product lines. 

►UK-Canada Trade And CPTPP - The BCC met the Canadian High Commission’s incoming trade team to discuss CPTPP, the UK-Canada trade terms under review by both Prime Ministers, and opportunities to deepen bilateral ties.

►Windsor Framework And UK Internal Market - The BCC engaged with the Northern Ireland Executive on implementation of legislation under the Windsor Framework and Trader Support Service, and discussed UK internal trade flows.

►UK Global Supply Chain Review - DBT shared plans for a review this autumn of UK global supply chains and possible legislative changes.

►Machinery Safety Legislation Consultation - DBT is consulting on aligning GB machinery safety rules with CE-marking standards.