UK freeports blow as exporters face tariffs to 23 countries [View all]

[Emrys]

Ministers admit some markets will be subject to duties under post-Brexit deal

Companies in freeports will not get to enjoy the full benefits of the tax-efficient zones if they export to certain countries including Canada, Norway, Switzerland and Singapore, the government has admitted.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak have declared that eight new English freeports — announced in the Budget — will be a “transformational” benefit from Brexit.

But officials disclosed on Sunday that recent post-Brexit trade agreements with 23 different countries included clauses that specifically prohibit manufacturers in freeport-type zones from benefiting from the deals.
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The freeports to be outlined in the spring Budget are at Teesside, London Gateway, Liverpool City Region, Humber, Felixstowe, Southampton, Plymouth and East Midlands Airport.

https://www.ft.com/content/625d1913-9242-4d97-9d0b-9cd6925c4e0e?desktop=true&segmentId=d8d3e364-5197-20eb-17cf-2437841d178a#

One's sense of surprise that this wasn't foreseen when much-trumpeted trade deals were signed with the countries affected is tempered when one remembers that the negotiator was Liz Truss. Reading fine print - indeed any size of print - doesn't seem to be a strong point.