*The United Kingdom Government emphasises the new trade measures are to boost Nigerian exports, create jobs, and support economic growth in partner countries across Africa while helping UK businesses and consumers to access high-quality, affordable products

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has said its trade measures are to boost Nigerian exports, create jobs and support economic growth across the African continent.

绿帽献妻 reports the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme is a trade preference scheme designed to boost trade with developing countries, supporting their sustainable growth and aligning with the country’s commitment to fair and inclusive global trade.

It is noted that DCTS simplifies trade rules and reduces tariffs, making it easier for these countries, including Nigeria,聽 to export to the UK.

In terms of the benefits to stakeholders, the UK stated that this significant development in its trade policy would benefit African exporters, including Nigerians while supporting economic growth across Africa.

It noted that the reforms are part of the UK鈥檚 broader strategy to deepen partnerships with the West African country, and support inclusive global trade.

The British High Commission (BHC) Communications Office, Abuja, FCT, stated that African exporters and entrepreneurs “are set to benefit from a new package of UK trade reforms”, which was earlier unveiled Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Core objectives of UK trade reforms

Christened the Trade for Development, it is designed to simplify access to the UK market and strengthen economic ties between the UK and developing countries, the BHC said.

It noted the upgrades include simplified rules of origin, which would enable all Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) partners, including those further up the value chain, such as Nigeria, to source inputs on finished goods from across the African continent, while ensuring that goods can continue to enter the UK tariff-free.

This, the UK Government stated, is expected to support trade not just with it, but between African countries, helping to unlock the African Continental Free Trade Area鈥檚 $3.4 trillion potential.

The BHC Communications Office said in 2024, over 拢3.2 billion worth of goods imported into the UK from African countries benefitted from preferences granted by the UK鈥檚 development trading arrangements.

Onyinye Madu of the BHC Communications Office, at the weekend, stated Jenny Chapman, UK Minister for Development, said: 鈥淭he world is changing. Countries in the Global South want a different relationship with the UK as a trading partner and investor, not as a donor. “These new rules will make it easier for developing countries to trade more closely with the UK.

“This is good for their economies and for UK consumers and businesses.鈥�

Significance of trade among countries in global economy, by Minister

Similarly, UK Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander stated: 鈥淣o country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trading with its neighbours.

“Over recent decades, trade has been an essential ingredient in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty around the globe.鈥�

The statement noted aside from the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) changes, the UK also would provide “targeted support to help African exporters meet UK standards and navigate customs procedures.

“Make it easier for partner countries to trade services, such as digital, legal, and financial services – by strengthening future trade agreements.”

The updated rules are part of the UK鈥檚 wider鈥疶rade for Development鈥痮ffer, which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods, restated the BHC.

It said they also aligned with the country’s new Trade Strategy, which prioritises growth through global partnerships and future-facing markets.

It is recalled that the UK launched the鈥疍eveloping Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) 2023, following the UK鈥檚 exit from the European Union (EU).

The DCTS鈥痠s the UK鈥檚 flagship trade preference scheme, covering 65 countries and offering reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products.

The UK restated its committed to growing鈥痵ervices, trade with developing countries, supporting digital trade and professional services.

The announcement is sequel to engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations, the statement added.

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