The UK and EU have today (16 May) ratified a new set of
arrangements which will ensure Northern Ireland traders can fully
benefit from the UK's independent free trade policy.
The deal means over 13,000 tons of lamb, beef, and poultry
including from key FTA partners such as Australia and New Zealand
will now be covered by UK tariff rate quotas. This will
significantly benefit Northern Ireland businesses, and further
cements Northern Ireland's integral place in the UK.
The solution follows months of intensive engagement with
businesses and is a significant milestone in implementing the
Government's commitments to Northern Ireland's prosperity under
the Safeguarding the Union command paper published in February
this year. The new arrangements will be available alongside the
new UK Internal Market system from 30 September 2024.
The new quota regime allows Northern Ireland's businesses to
access the same benefits and opportunities as the rest of the UK,
while maintaining sufficient protection for farmers. It addresses
a key problem with the old Protocol, where businesses exporting
their goods could benefit from UK Free Trade Agreements but those
importing higher tariff products like meat into Northern Ireland
could not benefit from UK trading arrangements.
The agreement, reached in January 2024, has been welcomed by
Northern Ireland agri-food industry groups including IMTA and
NIMEA.
Minister of State for the Northern Ireland Office said:
“This major milestone illustrates the UK Government's commitment
to maximising trade and opportunities for Northern Ireland's
businesses.
“This unique arrangement will mean NI importers will be able
to benefit from UK Free Trade Agreements, further cementing
Northern Ireland's place in the UK. I look forward to our further
work to safeguard the Union.”
The International Meat Trade Association
said:
“IMTA welcome today's ratification of the Tariff Rate Quota
solution for meat imports into Northern Ireland. We have long
advocated for a solution to address this trade barrier and
facilitate this crucial supply to NI. We look forward to
understanding the details and collaborate with government and
industry towards its effective implementation later this year.”
The deal was ratified by Foreign Secretary and Vice President at today's Withdrawal
Agreement Joint Committee in Brussels. Full guidance will be
published in due course to ensure traders are ready to benefit
from the new arrangements.
Today's announcement is the latest example of the Government's
commitment to further cement Northern Ireland's place in the UK.
In March we established horticulture and veterinary medicines
working groups to advise the government and work through any
remaining issues, and both groups have now met twice. We have
also successfully lifted the ban on the movement of common hazel
trees and we are in active dialogue on lifting bans on a further
five species such as sweet cherry.
Elsewhere, we held the inaugural meeting of the East-West Council
on 26 March to discuss the main priorities for the Council's work
programme. Its aim is to strengthen cooperation between Northern
Ireland and other parts of the UK by advising on shared
challenges and opportunities with an East-West dimension, such as
trade promotion, culture and skills.
The Government is also providing £150 million to develop an
Enhanced Investment Zone in Northern Ireland to help businesses
capitalize on its unique opportunities.
