Developing countries keep duty-free access

Duty-free access to the UK for imports from nations across the developing world will be maintained after Brexit, the government has said.

The move means about 48 countries, including Bangladesh, Haiti and Ethiopia, will continue to benefit from the arrangements on all goods bought by the UK, excluding weapons.

Some £20billion a year of goods are shipped to the UK from these countries, accounting for about half of UK clothing and a quarter of coffee.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said: “Our departure from the EU is an opportunity to step up to our commitments to the rest of the world, not step away from them.

“Free and fair trade has been the greatest liberator of the world’s poor, and today’s announcement shows our commitment to helping developing countries grow their economies and reduce poverty through trade.

“Behind the ‘dutyfree exports’ are countless stories of people in developing countries working hard to provide for themselves and their families by exporting everyday goods, resulting in lower prices and greater choice for consumers.”

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: “The UK is using its position as a great, global trading nation to seize opportunities to lift countries out of poverty.

“This will generate the wealth, prosperity and investment needed to help the world’s poorest people stand on their own two feet.”

The Fairtrade Foundation’s Tim Aldred welcomed the government’s pledge to increase trade with developing countries in a number of areas.

“This will generate the wealth needed”

Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake