The future of UK trade policy (after coronavirus)

The UK is taking back control of trade policy in a world transformed by the impact of coronavirus. Following the UK’s exit from the EU in January, it was already a challenge to create a trade strategy that takes barriers to trade with the wider world down, whilst putting new ones up between the UK and its biggest trade partner. As countries begin to espouse the virtues of shorter and more local supply chains, the UK’s strategy of distancing itself from its neighbours to link up with partners on the far side of the globe looks ever more anomalous. How will coronavirus shape the future of international trade, and how can ‘Global Britain’ adapt to a world facing de-globalisation? To discuss these questions, we were joined by: Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, Director of the European Centre for International Political Economy Klemens Kober, Director Trade Policy at the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and former TTIP negotiator Meredith Crowley, International Trade Economist at the University of Cambridge and senior fellow at UK in a Changing Europe Pauline Bastidon, former Head of Global and EU Policy at the Freight Transport Association. This event was chaired by Joe Owen, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.