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Rules of Origin in UK Trade Agreements

Published on 13 October 2025

The United Kingdom formally exited the European Union and the common market in February 2020. Since then, the British government has signed several trade agreements to replace what was previously covered under EU trade treaties.

The urgency of maintaining trade continuity after Brexit meant that most of the newly signed deals were ‘rolled over’ versions of prior EU terms of trade. The new trade deals are invariably described as ‘hurried’ or ‘performative’ favouring speed and visibility over securing a net benefit.

The changes in rules of origin are minor and rare. When they do differ, they are overall more liberal and less complex than those of the European Union.

This K4DD Rapid Evidence Review covers the United Kingdom’s approach to trade agreements in the aftermath of Brexit, focusing specifically on rules of origin and departure from common EU trading terms.

Explore all K4DD resources here.

Cite this publication

Zaidan, M. (2025). Rules of Origin in UK Trade Agreements. K4DD Rapid Evidence Review 258. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies. DOI: 10.19088/K4DD.2025.095

Authors

Mahdi Zaidan

Researcher

Publication details

published by
Institute of Development Studies
doi
https://doi.org/10.19088/K4DD.2025.095
language
En

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