John Baron MP welcomes UK-Japan trade agreement

MP says Britain is reaping Brexit dividend

Last week the Government announced that a major free trade deal had been agreed in principle with Japan. This deal will boost trade between our countries by an estimated £15.2 billion, implementing tariff-free trade on 99% of exports to Japan and securing new opportunities for British businesses in our manufacturing, food, drink and tech industries. In a number of areas the agreement goes beyond the existing EU-Japan agreement, giving British companies a competitive advantage in exporting to Japan. Tokyo has also committed to support Britain’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, potentially giving British businesses a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

John said,

“These are exciting and welcome developments, and show that comprehensive trade agreements can be struck between major economies in a short time when they are not hampered by 27 competing special interests, as invariably happens with EU negotiations. This trade agreement bodes well for our negotiations with other countries, some of which are also at an advanced stage.”

“Britain is reaping the benefits of an independent trade policy made possible by leaving the EU, and I hope the EU will shortly snap out of its current position and settle on the trade agreement that is in our shared interests.”