UK Strikes Trio of Trade Deals in May

UK Strikes Trio of Trade Deals in May

May 28, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The UK government has made major strides in strengthening its international trade relationships this May, concluding three key agreements with India (6 May), the United States (8 May), and the European Union (19 May).

These agreements could reshape trade routes and sourcing decisions, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for exporters and importers alike. With further negotiations under way with Gulf nations, the UK is expanding its global footprint.

UK-EU Agreement Reduces Border Friction
The updated UK-EU agreement, the first substantial step forward in post-Brexit cooperation, sets out revised terms for trade, fishing rights and defence collaboration. Of particular note is the reduction in bureaucracy around food shipments, with most routine checks on animal and plant products travelling between the UK and EU scrapped.

This could significantly ease the administrative burden and reduce delays for companies dealing in perishable goods. However, details on how the agreement affects the movement of non-food goods, including machinery, textiles and other industrial or consumer products, remain to be clarified.

While the deal does not represent a return to the frictionless trade of the pre-Brexit era, it is an encouraging signal that practical cooperation is possible. For businesses that rely on predictable cross-border movements, this agreement may help restore a degree of confidence.

US Agreement Offers Narrow, Targeted Relief
Despite being framed as a “trade deal”, the UK-US agreement is a limited, sector-specific tariff arrangement rather than a full-scale free trade agreement. That said, it delivers tangible relief in several key areas.

For UK exporters of vehicles, the US has cut its tariff from 25% to 10%, but only for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. This mirrors the volume of UK exports in 2024, but it places a hard ceiling on further growth, with exports above that threshold subject to a 27.5% tariff.

The removal of 25% tariffs on UK steel and aluminium also brings welcome relief to manufacturers. However, these benefits come with conditions, including expected quotas and continued duties on certain products made with these metals, such as gym equipment and industrial machinery.

While the UK has dropped some tariffs on US food and agricultural products, reciprocal benefits for UK exporters beyond the automotive and metal sectors remain limited. A blanket 10% US tariff still applies to most other UK goods, and a 25% tariff on UK automotive parts remains in place. Details on additional product categories, including consumer goods and manufactured components, are expected in due course.

The deal is a step forward, but it leaves a patchwork of tariffs and quotas that will require careful navigation. Legal and regulatory uncertainties will persist in the months ahead as negotiations continue and further details emerge.

India Deal Signals Long-Term Growth Potential
The UK’s agreement with India stands out as the most comprehensive and forward-looking of the three deals. It includes significant tariff reductions and market access improvements across a wide range of products, and is forecast to increase bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040.

UK exports set to benefit include whisky, gin, aerospace components, medical devices, cosmetics, and high-end vehicles. In return, the UK will lower tariffs on Indian exports such as clothing, footwear, frozen foodstuffs, jewellery, and processed goods.

For importers, the deal offers more competitive access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. For exporters, it opens the door to India’s expanding middle class, which is already larger than the entire population of the EU and is hungry for high-quality, internationally branded products.

Beyond tariffs, the agreement promises to streamline customs procedures and reduce non-tariff barriers, improvements that will be welcomed by any business frustrated by red tape or unpredictable clearance processes. However, the full legal text is yet to be published, and the final impact will depend on detailed implementation rules, particularly around rules of origin and product classifications.

Looking at Gulf Nations Opportunities
Speaking to the BBC on 20 May, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the UK’s next strategic focus is on securing trade agreements with countries in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Ongoing discussions aim to boost UK exports of food and drink, renewable energy technologies, and manufactured goods, while encouraging more inward investment.

Reeves also clarified that the government is “not looking to have trade negotiations” with China, which draws a line under speculation about future UK-China trade relations for the foreseeable future.

Implications for UK Businesses
For UK businesses, whether they import raw materials or finished goods, or export to overseas markets, these deals bring both opportunity and complexity. While tariff reductions and customs streamlining can offer immediate cost savings and efficiency gains, the sector-specific and quota-based nature of the agreements means that success will depend on careful planning and informed decision-making.

The three deals signal a broader shift in the UK’s trade strategy, one that favours targeted, bilateral agreements over sweeping free trade pacts. They also reflect a pragmatic effort to strengthen links with fast-growing economies and key strategic allies.

As implementation details unfold and further negotiations continue, UK businesses will need to stay agile, review their supply chains, and consider how to best take advantage of the new landscape.

Metro’s established freight services, in-house customs brokerage, and on-the-ground teams in both India and the United States mean we’re uniquely placed to help UK businesses respond to this new trade landscape.

Whether you’re reviewing sourcing strategies, navigating new tariffs, or planning market entry, our experts can support you with compliant, cost-effective solutions across every mode and market.

EMAIL Managing Director, Andrew Smith to explore how we can optimise your global trade strategy.

Cargo Rush Sparks Port Congestion and Equipment Shortages

Cargo Rush Sparks Port Congestion and Equipment Shortages

May 26, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The recent 90-day pause on US tariffs on Chinese imports has sparked a dramatic surge in demand, as American importers scramble to front-load shipments ahead of the 14 August deadline. The demand spike is now placing considerable pressure on supply chains across Asia and Europe, threatening to disrupt global freight flows into the traditional peak season.

Freight bookings from China to the US rocketed 300% in just one week, marking the highest volume levels of the year so far, as US importers use the temporary reprieve to push through previously delayed shipments.

While the tariff rate remains high at 30%, it is significantly lower than the 145% rates imposed earlier in the spring. Importers are moving quickly to take advantage of this limited window of cost certainty, but the consequences are already being felt far beyond China’s borders.

With ships now flooding back into Chinese ports, congestion has rapidly intensified:

  • Shanghai and Qingdao are experiencing berth waiting times of 24–72 hours.
  • Ningbo reports delays of 24–36 hours, while the congestion there is now worsening due to diverted volumes.
  • Busan is reporting 72-hour waits at the PNIT Terminal.
  • Singapore and Yokohama are also affected, with waiting times up to 36 and 24 hours, respectively.

Carriers are reporting widespread bunching and missed berths, forcing some vessels to skip port calls entirely. Simultaneously, container availability is tightening, especially in Shanghai and Ningbo, where carriers have begun rationing equipment based on rate levels and space commitments. Maersk and HMM are among those limiting container release in an attempt to balance capacity with available slots.

Further down the line, ports in southern China, Southeast Asia, and even intra-Asia trades are also reporting backlogs. Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, and Port Klang have all seen yard utilisation rise and service delays build.

Strain Spreads to Europe as Container Flows Disrupt
The congestion is not limited to Asia. As carriers reposition vessels and adjust service rotations to meet surging demand on eastbound transpacific routes, European ports are beginning to feel the knock-on effects.

In northern Europe:

  • Hamburg is facing 5–6½ days of berth delays,
  • Southampton and London Gateway are seeing 3-day waits,
  • Antwerp is experiencing severe disruption with delays extending to 15½ days,
  • Piraeus and Tangiers are also impacted, each facing waits of up to 4 and 3 days, respectively.

Labour shortages, reduced barge capacity on the Rhine, and tight schedules are compounding these delays. Meanwhile, rerouted vessels from Asia–Europe services are creating bunching at key transhipment hubs such as Bremerhaven and Hamburg, which in turn serve Scandinavia and the Baltic.

Equipment Shortages and Capacity Gaps Ahead of Peak Season
Container availability is expected to worsen in the coming weeks. With vessels already departing China at high utilisation levels, the return of empty containers and the repositioning of ships to Asia may not keep pace with demand.

If previously produced goods held in bonded warehouses are added to this surge in volumes during May, demand could increase by nearly 50%. A delay to June would ease the burden, but it could still be over 15%, which still represents a steep challenge ahead of the summer peak.

This front-loading of cargo to the US may lead to a sharp, compressed peak season starting now and stretching into mid-July, followed by potential equipment shortages and service volatility in August and beyond.

We are closely monitoring port performance, vessel schedules, and rate volatility across all major trade lanes, to support customers with:

  • Priority bookings and space management on transpacific and key routes
  • Equipment selection and container allocation strategies
  • Alternative routing and scheduling options to avoid bottlenecks
  • Global shipment visibility to SKU

EMAIL Managing Director Andrew Smith to discuss current conditions, risk mitigation, and booking options tailored to your business priorities.

Pressure Mounts on US Heavy Equipment Manufacturers

Pressure Mounts on US Heavy Equipment Manufacturers

May 23, 2025 | , , , , ,

America’s machinery manufacturers have raised red flags over escalating tariff costs, reinforcing growing concern across the manufacturing sector.

With supply chains spanning the US, Europe, Mexico and China, heavy equipment manufacturers are experiencing firsthand how volatile trade policy is impacting cross-border operations, logistics flows and profitability.

Despite their strong domestic production footprints, manufacturers rely on global imports for key components—especially from Europe and China. These imports, once routine, have become financial pressure points in the wake of rising duties and retaliatory tariffs.

One leading manufacturer is forecasting up to $350 million in tariff expenses this quarter alone, while another expects annual tariff-related costs to top $500 million.

The problem isn’t just confined to import charges. Export volumes are also under pressure, as shifting trade dynamics alter demand patterns and reduce competitiveness in overseas markets.

North America-Centric, Globally Exposed
Two leading manufacturers source more than 75% of their components from within the United States, but their supply chains extend well beyond national borders. Equipment parts arrive from factories and suppliers across Canada, Europe and Latin America and a substantial proportion of inputs still come from Asia, most notably China.

With a growing share of international trade now subject to unpredictable tariffs, even these diversified sourcing strategies offer limited insulation. One manufacturer, for example, cited that half of its projected tariff costs stem from Chinese imports alone.

Even the recent 90-day tariff easing between the US and China, announced on 14 May, is unlikely to provide lasting relief. As one executive warned, the long-term environment remains uncertain: “Many mitigation strategies require clarity and certainty on tariffs, but the landscape is too volatile to act decisively.”

Sales are already reflecting these pressures. In the second quarter, one company reported a 16% drop in total revenue and a 23% fall in construction and forestry equipment sales. Its peer, reporting for Q1, posted a 10% decline in total revenue, with construction equipment hit hardest, down 19%.

Strategic Logistics Support from Metro
Metro works with world-leading manufacturers and understands the complexities of global equipment supply chains. Whether moving machinery from US heartlands like Illinois and Texas, or coordinating inbound component flows from Europe, Canada, Mexico or China, Metro helps manufacturers manage risk, maintain continuity, and adapt quickly.

We manage high-and-heavy, breakbulk and RoRo shipments across key corridors, with logistics and customs services designed specifically for industrial equipment movements. 

  • End-to-end customs expertise, including tariff classification, valuation, and compliance guidance
  • Integrated transport planning, enabling smarter decisions on routing, modal shifts, and consolidation
  • Support for North American, European and Asia-Pacific flows, backed by local teams and global visibility
  • Proactive trade advisory services, keeping clients informed and prepared as policies evolve

As political negotiations reshape tariff regimes and global supply chains remain under strain, manufacturers with international exposure need more than reactive logistics. They need strategic, agile partners that will future-proof their supply chains, reduce friction across borders, and protect performance in the face of mounting uncertainty.

EMAIL Managing Director, Andrew Smith, to discuss how Metro can support your global logistics strategy.

Unlock Savings and Strengthen Compliance with BKR Consultants

Unlock Savings and Strengthen Compliance with BKR Consultants

Apr 15, 2025 | ,

We’re always looking for ways to support our clients and that includes helping you stay on the right side of HMRC, while making the most of your duty spend. That’s why we’re proud to introduce BKR Consultants, a trusted member of our group and a specialist in customs compliance.

Based across the UK, BKR Consultants bring deep expertise in customs brokerage, health and regulatory affairs and international trade. Their team provides independent, professional advice that helps importers and exporters stay compliant – and uncover meaningful opportunities to save and reclaim money.

Even businesses with experienced in-house customs teams can find it challenging to keep up with evolving legislation or spot every error. That’s where BKR’s customs compliance auditing service adds real value.

Why Consider an Independent Customs Audit?
Even with a strong internal customs team, it’s easy for issues to slip through the cracks. Classification errors, unsupported preferential claims, and small inaccuracies can quietly add up to major costs, or worse, attract an HMRC audit.

That’s where BKR Consultants come in.

Their independent audits offer a second set of expert eyes on your customs activity, using your actual data to uncover risks, identify opportunities, and ensure your business is fully aligned with HMRC expectations. And this isn’t just theory: BKR have already recovered millions of pounds for clients through the identification of overpayments and incorrect classifications.

From reassessing the way your goods are declared, to helping you access duty-saving procedures, BKR’s audits are practical, actionable, and focused on results.

What’s more, BKR make a simple promise: to leave every client – no matter how big or small – in a better place.

That might mean improved internal knowledge and confidence, a measurable financial refund, or a more stable and compliant business overall.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A detailed review of your customs declarations and documentation
  • Identification of compliance issues and corrective action plan
  • Retrospective duty reclaims and long-term cost reductions
  • Access to BKR’s trade analytics platform to explore trends and track progress

By engaging BKR, you can:

  • Eliminate risks before they become costly problems
  • Improve cash flow by reclaiming overpaid duties
  • Reduce administrative burden by outsourcing time-consuming checks
  • Strengthen your compliance posture ahead of any HMRC audits

Take the First Step — Book a Free Consultation
Whether you’re already questioning the accuracy of your declarations and duty payments, or simply want the reassurance of a compliance check, BKR’s audits are designed to leave your business in a stronger position – financially, operationally, and strategically.
EMAIL Lucy Hulston to Book your Free Consultation.

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