The impending Brexit has sent shockwaves through the global economic landscape, and one of the key areas that will be impacted is trade agreements. With the UK set to leave the European Union, the future of trade relations between the UK and the EU is uncertain.
The UK has been a part of the EU`s single market and customs union for over four decades. This has enabled free trade between the UK and other EU member states, as well as common rules and regulations for goods and services. But with Brexit looming, the UK will no longer be part of this system, and new trade agreements will need to be negotiated.
One of the key questions facing businesses and policymakers is whether the UK will be able to negotiate a new trade agreement with the EU, and what the terms of that agreement will be. Some have suggested that the UK should seek to stay in the single market and customs union, which would enable continued free trade with the EU. However, others have argued that this would be unacceptable, as it would mean the UK remaining subject to EU regulations without having a say in their formulation.
Another option is for the UK to negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU, similar to the agreements the EU has with countries such as Canada or Japan. Such an agreement would likely involve the reduction or removal of tariffs on goods traded between the UK and the EU, and the establishment of common rules and regulations for services. However, negotiating such an agreement could take years, and it remains to be seen whether the EU would be willing to grant the UK such a deal.
There is also the question of what impact Brexit will have on the UK`s trade relations with countries outside of the EU. The UK is currently a member of the EU`s trade agreements with over 70 other countries, and these agreements will no longer apply to the UK after Brexit. The UK will need to negotiate new trade deals with these countries, as well as with others it has not previously had agreements with.
It is clear that trade agreements will be a major issue for the UK in the coming years, as it seeks to establish new relationships with the EU and other countries around the world. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the UK economy and its businesses, and it will be important for policymakers to carefully consider all the options available to them.