On 18 February 2019, the Department for International Trade (DIT) announced the signing of the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, which replicates the existing trading arrangements under the EU-Israel Association Agreement as far as possible. It will come into effect as soon as the implementation period ends in January 2021, or on 29 March 2019 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.  The trade continuity agreement simplifies trade and allows businesses to trade as freely as they do now, without any additional barriers or tariffs. The agreement will see British businesses and consumers benefitting from continued trade with Israel after the UK leaves the European Union. The announcement stated, in part: