UK issues guidance on existing trade agreement if the UK exits the EU without a deal

On 21 February, 2019, the Department for International Trade (DIT) issued guidance entitled, Existing trade agreements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, which sets out the status of those agreements (free trade agreements, economic partnership agreements, association agreements and customs union) that may not be in place by exit day. It also links to trade agreements that have been signed and mutual recognition agreements that have been signed.

The guidance notes:

This concerns guidance for a no deal scenario. Leaving the EU with a deal remains the government’s top priority. This has not changed. While a number of these continuity agreements are likely to be concluded by exit day, it is the duty of government to produce a highly cautious list of those that may not be in place in order that businesses and individuals ensure that they are prepared for every eventuality.

It remains our priority to conclude trade continuity agreements with these countries by exit day or as soon as possible thereafter. We are exploring a range of options to ensure continuity of effect for trade agreements if an agreement has not been ratified and brought into force in time for exit day.

The UK is working with partner countries to bring into force bilateral agreements that will ensure continuity for the effects of existing EU trade agreements. But all of these replacement agreements may not be ready in time for 29 March 2019 if we leave the EU without a deal.

You can find below details of countries concerned together with the status of discussions: (Column 4 shows UK trade with country(ies) as percentage of total UK trade, year to Q3 2018)

• Details of current EU FTAs in which the UK currently participates are available here. 
• Details of current EU MRAs in which the UK currently participates are available here