Brexit benefits: trade

Trade: the benefits

1. 9

   Membership of CPTPP

   The UK is the first European member of the Indo-Pacific trade partnership, covering about 15% of world GDP.

   Only possible outside the EU15 Dec 2024Source: Department for Business and Trade

2. 10

   A free trade agreement with Australia

   The first trade deal negotiated from scratch by the UK since 1973.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force 31 May 2023Source: UK–Australia FTA

3. 11

   A free trade agreement with New Zealand

   Tariffs removed on almost all UK exports to New Zealand.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force 31 May 2023Source: UK–New Zealand FTA

4. 12

   A trade agreement with India

   A deal with one of the world's fastest-growing large economies, cutting Indian tariffs on UK goods such as whisky and cars.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force 15 Jul 2026Source: UK–India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

5. 13

   A digital trade deal with Singapore

   Rules for data, e-commerce and digital services with a leading Asian hub.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force Jun 2022Source: UK–Singapore Digital Economy Agreement

6. 14

   A trade deal with Japan that goes further on digital

   The UK–Japan agreement goes beyond the EU–Japan deal on digital trade and data.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force 1 Jan 2021Source: UK–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

7. 15

   A financial services agreement with Switzerland

   A first-of-its-kind deal recognising each other's financial rules.

   Only possible outside the EUIn force 1 Jan 2026Source: Berne Financial Services Agreement

8. 16

   A simpler, lower UK tariff

   Almost half of UK tariff lines are zero, against 27% in the EU's schedule. Nuisance tariffs below 2% were scrapped. In 2025 tariffs on 89 more products, from pasta to plywood, were suspended until July 2027.

   Only possible outside the EU1 Jan 2021Source: UK Global Tariff; Department for Business and Trade

9. 17

   A more generous deal for developing countries

   The UK's own trading scheme cuts tariffs and simplifies rules for 65 developing countries.

   Only possible outside the EU19 Jun 2023Source: Developing Countries Trading Scheme

10. 18

    Lower US tariffs on UK cars than on EU cars

    UK car exports face a 10% US tariff on up to 100,000 cars a year, against 15% for EU cars.

    Only possible outside the EU2025Source: UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal; EU–US framework agreement

11. 19

    British beef and lamb back on sale in the US

    Long-standing US bans were lifted after talks led by the UK.

    Made easier by leavingBeef 2020, lamb 2022Source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

12. 20

    Trade agreements with 73 countries

    Existing EU deals were rolled over and new ones agreed, many improved on the originals.

    Only possible outside the EUBy 2024Source: HM Government, Brexit: four years on (2024)

More topics: Sovereignty and law · Trade · Borders and immigration · Tax and cost of living · Business and finance · Health and science · Farming, fishing and nature · Tech and data · The full selection of 52

The numbers match our full selection of 52 Brexit benefits. We only list changes that are in force or signed, with a date and a primary source. "Only possible outside the EU" means EU law or EU exclusive powers would have blocked it. "Made easier by leaving" means it was possible in principle but faster or simpler outside.