Brexit and international trade: the aspiration of global Britain

Abstract

This chapter examines some of the important legal issues surrounding the UK’s trade relationship with the EU and the rest of the world post-Brexit. Dealing first with the problematic Withdrawal Agreement, the chapter considers difficulties associated with the Irish border, solutions to which could create challenges with respect to the UK’s standing in the World Trade Organization. It then explores the implications of exiting the EU without a formal trade agreement under which trade between the two will take place on WTO terms. From there the chapter suggests that a conventional Free Trade Agreement could resolve many of the ongoing difficulties in trade negotiations, with an interim agreement feasible in a short time. The UK’s future trading strategy with the rest of the world is then discussed, concluding by drawing attention to some of the economic problems which may be presented by adopting a more open approach to trade outside of the EU.