The United Kingdom has completed its first independent Trade Policy Review at the World Trade Organization (WTO), a milestone since leaving the European Union. Published on 2 September 2025, the 29-page government report outlines how the UK is shaping a modern, sustainable, and rules-based trading system while strengthening its domestic economy and global partnerships.
A Growing, Open Trading Economy
The UK remains the sixth largest economy in the world, with total trade representing around 60% of GDP in 2024. Despite recent global challenges, the report confirms continued economic resilience, noting that the economy was 3.6% larger in 2024 than in 2019. Inflation has stabilised to around 3%, following policy interventions by the Bank of England.
Trade in services continues to drive growth, generating a £193.7 billion surplus in 2024, while the UK remains the largest global net exporter of financial services. Manufacturing’s share of total exports has shifted from 62% in 1997 to 37% in 2024, reflecting an evolving economy increasingly driven by high-value services and innovation sectors.
Strategic Trade Priorities
The report outlines the UK’s Trade Strategy (2025), which aims to achieve long-term, inclusive, and resilient growth through trade. It focuses on strengthening partnerships with the EU, deepening ties with the United States, and advancing cooperation through agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The government’s guiding principle is clear – “promote what we can, protect what we must.”
Complementing this is the Modern Industrial Strategy, a 10-year plan targeting investment in eight frontier sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital and technology, financial services, life sciences, and professional services. The strategy aims to boost productivity, regional investment, and workforce skills across the UK.
Commitment to WTO Reform and Multilateralism
The UK reaffirmed its strong support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, calling for deep reform to ensure the WTO remains effective and fair. Key priorities include:
– Achieving a fully functioning dispute settlement system, demonstrated by the UK joining the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) in June 2025.
– Advancing plurilateral initiatives to progress on contemporary challenges such as digital trade, sustainability, and market-distorting practices.
– Supporting WTO negotiations on agriculture and food security, particularly disciplines on export restrictions affecting developing and least-developed countries.
Impact for UK and Our Perspective
The review highlights the government’s focus on a secure and resilient trade environment, with measures to strengthen supply chains, expand digital trade, and enable small and medium-sized enterprises to benefit from global markets. For Thames Valley firms—especially in life sciences, digital technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing—this provides long-term policy stability and international growth opportunities.
We welcome the UK’s reaffirmed commitment to open and sustainable trade. The alignment of trade, industrial, and sustainability policies provides a clearer roadmap for regional exporters. This is a valuable moment to review trade strategies, assess international partnerships, and prepare for upcoming reforms in WTO frameworks.
Next Steps
Businesses should:
– Assess their international trade plans against the UK’s 2025 Trade Strategy priorities.
– Review supply chain resilience and digital readiness.
– If needed engage with the Chamber as our Customs Healthcheck and Consultancy Services can help businesses evaluate readiness, identify export growth sectors, and align operations with emerging trade priorities.
For guidance, contact trade@tvchamber.co.uk or call 01753 870560.
Read the full WTO review: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-first-trade-policy-review-at-the-world-trade-organization-wto-uk-government-report
