Trade and international update: July 2025

All-Island Conference

On 12 June, An Taoiseach joined business leaders from across the island of Ireland at the annual Ibec–CBI All-Island Conference. In the face of growing geopolitical and economic headwinds, the event highlighted the strategic importance of enhanced UK–Ireland cooperation to unlock opportunities and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Our All-Island Policy Priorities Report for 2025, calls for deeper integration on trade, infrastructure, sustainability, workforce mobility, and private investment. These priorities are essential to building long-term economic resilience and driving shared prosperity across the island.

EU Relations

Last week, our International & Europe Director, Sean McGuire,  participated in the Domestic Advisory Group and Civil Society Forum, reflecting on recent progress made in EU-UK relations, including outcomes from the EU–UK Summit and the EU-UK Common Understanding.

Alongside these forums, we engaged directly with Ministers and senior officials from DBT, DEFRA, the Cabinet Office as well as the EU Ambassador to the UK to ensure member priorities are front of mind. Our message was clear: constructive engagement with EU counterparts, regulatory predictability, movement at pace on the elements agreed in the Common Understanding and practical cooperation are critical for boosting business confidence.

The CBI remains committed to supporting work to reduce friction, enhance certainty, and remove barriers in our trading relationship. As negotiations enter their next phase, the key will be open dialogue and clear communication between business and government. Please do reach out to the team to share your feedback on everything from Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement negotiations to Emissions Trading Systems linkage to business mobility – it is essential that your organisation’s voice is heard.

Trade Strategy

The government’s new Trade Strategy outlines a dynamic vision to position the UK as a leading global hub for trade and investment. We welcome the focus on maximising the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, deepening relationships with strategic partners, and engaging proactively with high-growth emerging markets.

Positive steps include support for WTO’s MPIA, the adoption of alternative trade policy tools, initiatives to achieve mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and the expansion of regulatory cooperation through mechanisms such as the Ricardo Fund. Additional measures, like enhanced UKEF capacity, pilot schemes for electronic trade, and the establishment of a new Supply Chain Centre, reflect the government’s ambition to deliver a trade policy that is fit for the future.

The CBI will keep working closely with the government to ensure the strategy translates into tangible benefits for business. If you have comments or feedback, please contact Erin Henwood.