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

► The BCC have had useful discussions this week with Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds MP and his shadow ministerial team on a range of trade and supply chain policy matters. We have been asked to draw together a short paper on policy on steel for consideration.
 

► The BCC took part in a discussion on UK-EU trade pre-2024 and beyond with British Chambers in EU and Brussels ahead of our delegation to the EU institutions next month.
 

► The BCC highlighted to members who export into the EU aware of the EU Deforestation Regulation, which will be implemented at the end of 2024. It will require attestations from some third country firms on exported goods like leather, chocolate, tyres, or furniture going into the EU. 
 

► The BCC took part in a discussion on UK-EU trade pre-2024 and beyond with British Chambers in EU and Brussels ahead of our delegation to the EU institutions next month.
 

► The BCC were speakers at the Trade Remedies Authority Stakeholder Forum in London. William Bain discussed the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act and subsidy control policies in the UK and EU on businesses here, but also the opportunities ahead.


► The BCC has been briefed on the latest developments in UK-India trade negotiations by senior DBT officials. We reiterated our position for a balanced deal which improves the position of UK manufacturing exporters and service providers seeking access into the India market.


► The BCC also further progressed concerns raised by several Chambers and member firms on the compliance burdens involved with the EU sanctions on Russian sourced or processed steel and iron products. We are seeking an urgent meeting with all key UK Government officials on this to examine solutions. Please contact us if you are effected by this issue.


► The BCC held useful discussions with the Japan Embassy about the new Trade Bill announced in the King’s Speech. They explored how businesses can make the most out of investment and export opportunities with Japan, given the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).  


► The BCC met with Martin Cook, Director of Exports at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to seek further measures that DBT can put in place with the Chamber Network around enhanced export support.