The Government has this morning (19 May) announced the UK's new MFN tariff regime, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT). This will replace the EU's Common External Tariff on 1 January 2021 at the end of the Transition Period.

Our new tariff is tailored to the needs of the UK economy. It will support the economy by making it easier and cheaper for businesses to import goods from overseas. It is a simpler, easier to use and lower tariff regime than the EU’s Common External Tariff (EU CET) and will be in pounds (£), not euros. It will scrap red tape and other unnecessary barriers to trade, reduce cost pressures and increase choice for consumers and back UK industries to compete on the global stage.

The UKGT also expands tariff free trade by eliminating tariffs on a wide range of products. The UKGT ensures that 60% of trade will come into the UK tariff free on WTO terms or through existing preferential access from January 2021, and successful FTA negotiations will increase this.

The Government is maintaining tariffs on a number of products backing UK industries such as maintaining a 10% tariff on cars, removing tariffs on £30 billion worth of imports entering UK supply chains, and 0% tariffs on products used in UK production, including copper alloy tubes (down from 5.2%) and screws and bolts (down from 3.7%).

The UKGT was designed following widespread engagement with businesses across the UK. As it will come into force on 1 January 2021, it's important that businesses can familiarise themselves with the new tariff regime ahead of this date.

The Original Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-global-tariff-backs-uk-businesses-and-consumers