Post-Brexit UK: Navigating Free-Trade Deals with the EU and the USA

It is often suggested that Post-Brexit UK will face an either-or decision when entering into free-trade agreements with the European Union (EU) and the United States (USA). However, several countries, such as Chile and Singapore, have successfully navigated agreements with both parties. This raises the question: is the UK fundamentally different?

Chile and Singapore: Models for Post-Brexit Trade

Chile and Singapore are often cited as examples of countries that have managed to secure trade deals with both the EU and the USA. These countries have proven that it is possible to have balanced trade relations with multiple global partners, thereby providing valuable insights for the UK as it seeks to expand its economic horizons in the Post-Brexit landscape.

Addressing Nuances in Trade Agreements

Opponents of Brexit often claim that there could be conflicts in trade agreements, especially concerning internal market regulations. However, it is crucial to examine these assertions through the lens of actual trade practices. For instance, if a country has an agreement with party A that involves stringent internal market regulations, this could indeed pose challenges for a product from party B looking to enter the market. Nevertheless, such scenarios are relatively rare, and trade agreements typically do not extend to detailed internal market regulations.

The Role of Product Standards and Internal Market Regulations

It is essential to recognize that product standards frequently play a critical role in free-trade agreements. Consider, for example, the EU's hygiene and welfare standards for chicken and beef imports. These standards are not merely incidental but are integral to the agreements, ensuring that imported products meet the safety and quality standards of the importing country. Internal market regulations, which the UK Office of the Internal Market and the Internal Market Act govern, also have a significant influence on product standards. The mutual recognition principle for goods is a prime example of how these standards are developed through the consequences of any trade agreements.

Challenges and Realities of Brexiteer Arguments

It is remarkable how many Brexiteer arguments fall into a consistent pattern: they first make a claim, then fail to verify the facts, and keep repeating the same incorrect assertions. This approach is not without its critics. Critics often point out that this method is akin to the "shoot first, don't check the facts, repeat the wrong argument, and get upset" approach. For instance, some Brexiteers admit the 'either-or' situation, which leads to a sense of desperation to complete FTAs with non-EU countries before the EU deal is secured.

Conclusion

The UK's pursuit of free-trade agreements with the EU and the USA should be informed by the experiences of other countries, such as Chile and Singapore. While there may be potential conflicts related to internal market regulations and product standards, historical precedents suggest that careful and comprehensive negotiation can overcome these challenges. The UK should approach these negotiations with a detailed understanding of the role that product standards and internal market regulations play in trade agreements. This nuanced understanding can help ensure that the UK's trade relations are both beneficial and sustainable.