ABPI response to UK negotiating objectives for US FTA

The Department for International Trade has published the UK's approach to free trade negotiations with the US.

In response, Chief Executive of the ABPI, Richard Torbett, said:

“The US and the UK are two of the most advanced economies in the world and are home to thriving pharmaceutical sectors. This FTA is an opportunity to build on those mutual strengths and remove trade barriers.

“This negotiation will set the tone for the UK’s future trade agenda: one which should support Britain’s world-leading science."                                    

The UK objectives contain specific areas that the pharmaceutical industry welcomes, including an ambition to:

• Secure broad liberalisation of tariffs and access for UK industrial goods into the US market 
• Develop simple and modern Rules of Origin that reflect UK industry requirements
• Make it easier for UK manufacturers to have their products tested against US rules in the UK before export
• Reduce regulatory obstacles, facilitate US access for UK business and improve trade flows, through Good Regulatory Practice and Regulatory Cooperation
• Promote the use of international standards to further facilitate trade between parties
• Enhance the opportunities for, and ease of, business travel and, where appropriate, supporting the recognition of professional qualifications.