UK Trade News June 2026

UK Steel Tariff Changes

As of 1st July 2026, the UK has introduced new legislation to place a quota on tariff-free steel entering the UK. The government and firms have not yet set an exact quota due to ongoing negotiations. These updates come because the existing safeguards are expiring, which officials negotiated prior to Brexit. These changes are set to protect the British steel industry. However, 70% of steel is imported into the UK, and these changes could reduce imports by 50%. The government is currently suggesting a 3-12 month transition period for steel buyers. It is believed that the government will introduce tariff exemptions on specific sectors, those the UK does not produce. This change will result in additional expenses when importing steel to the UK. If you need support with navigating these new tariffs, contact your freight forwarder.

Middle East Conflict

The war between the US, Israel and Iran remains ongoing. This has caused major disruptions to global shipping lines, the Persian gulf and the Red Sea. Shipping companies are actively avoiding these routes due to safety risks for crews and cargo. Ships continue to traverse around the Horn of Good Hope, which is causing longer travel times. This conflict has also affected the production of oil and distribution, causing surges in fuel prices. Shipping companies are charging higher prices for routes due to this.

These disruptions along with increased demand over the summer period is creating congestion in European ports. Primarily, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg are affected. Although no UK ports are congested, congestions from the EU ports are causing delays to entry into the UK.

Another impact is reduced space availability on containers and vessels, as more ships are blank sailing.

News of a ceasefire and peace negotiations present some hope, but disruptions to global shipping are still expected. It has never been more important to plan shipments earlier. Begin booking freight shipments now for July and August with your Freight Forwarders. 

UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement 

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Oman
• Kuwait
• Bahrain

The agreement will remove over 90% of tariffs between the UK and GCC, and economists estimate it will generate £3.7 billion for the UK economy. The deal primarily targets tariffs on the food industry as well as services and the flow of people and data. This is the first deal between a G7 country and the GCC. 

Trinity Logistics has an office in Dubai, UAE. This agreement brings new opportunities for shipping between the 2 regions and our hubs are able to support any aspect of supply chain logistics. 

UK-India Comprehensive Economics and Trade Agreement

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in May last year, is finally set to enter force on 15th July 2026. This new deal is worth over £4.8 billion for the UK economy. India’s most comprehensive agreement ever agreed, it sees to reduce tariffs across many key UK sectors:

• Scottish Whisky and Gin tariffs immediately reduced from 150% to 75% (with plans to further reduce to 40% following 10 years of the agreement)
• Phased reduction of tariffs on the automotive industry (including EVs and Hybrids) from 110% to 10% with new quota
• Tariff free entry on UK agrifoods, such as fresh and frozen salmon, lamb and cod. 
• More tariffs focused on UK agrifoods to be reduced over time.
• reduced tariffs on cosmetics and toiletries
• 64% of UK exports will have immediate tariff free access, following 10 years it will be 85%.
• Release of good from customs within 48 hours if all conditions are met on entry. 

As of 17th June, the UK and Indian Governments have granted 28 days for businesses to prepare for this deal. It is strongly advised for businesses to ensure they are registered with HMRC to benefit.