UK strikes £3.7bn trade deal with six Gulf states
Summary
The UK has signed a £3.7 billion trade deal with six Gulf countries, aiming to boost exports in food, luxury cars, defence, and other sectors. The deal removes tariffs on most goods and guarantees access for UK services, but it does not include any human rights protections.Key Facts
- The deal involves the UK and six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain.
- It is worth £3.7 billion, doubling earlier estimates for export opportunities.
- Tariffs will be removed on 93% of British goods sold in these Gulf countries.
- Sectors benefiting include food, luxury cars, defence, aerospace, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing.
- UK services, which make up 80% of the UK economy, will have guaranteed market access in the Gulf states.
- The deal does not include a human rights chapter despite previous concerns about abuse in the Gulf region.
- UK farmers welcomed the deal, especially the protection of poultry standards.
- This is the third trade agreement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after deals with India and South Korea.
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