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A UK-US trade deal can be an opportunity for COVID recovery on both sides

International Trade conference: hear from HM Trade Commissioner for North America and the Lieutenant Governor of California on the opportunities for UK-US trade.

16 Oct 2020, 3 min read

This session covers the progress of the UK-US trade deal. The speakers discuss the prospects for a deal, how business can influence the negotiations, and how UK businesses can trade more with US states.

Speakers:

  • Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California
  • John Dickerman, Head of Group, Washington, CBI
  • Karen Betts, CEO, Scotch Whisky Association
  • Antony Phillipson, HM Trade Commissioner, North America

Watch the session

Highlights from the session: 

  • Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, the Lieutenant Governor of California, points out that the California-UK trade relationship is hugely valuable to her state’s administration (the UK is their 11th largest trading partner) and so they’re watching the FTA negotiations carefully. Eleni believes it’s vital we use trade as a tool to regain some of the losses from COVID lockdowns. The California government wants to partner with international allies on the green economy and fintech as much as possible and sees the UK as a natural partner
  • John Dickerman, Head of CBI Washington, cites the importance of trade between nations as being an exchange of values as much as products and services, especially in new industries like AI and digital trade. As such, any digital chapter in an FTA should look to enhance trade flows but also respect personal privacy. John also highlights potential stumbling blocks in the negotiations, such as agriculture, healthcare, and drug pricing
  • Karen Betts, the CEO of the Scotch Whisky Association, thinks it’s vital we find a resolution to the Airbus/Boeing dispute and end the punitive tariffs on Scottish businesses. Karen also thinks we need to boost public support for the deal, and governments need to actively make the case for trade
  • Antony Philipson, HM Trade Commissioner for North America wants to wrap up the final round of negotiations before the election to show we have real momentum going into the new US presidency. The Department for International Trade is making the case that a deal can deliver a real opportunity for COVID recovery on both sides.