April 6, 2020

The Committee’s inquiry will examine the short-, medium-, and long-term impact of the pandemic on UK businesses trading internationally, and the Government’s response to these. It will also consider the implications of steps taken by key UK trading partners, such as restrictions on the export of essential goods, and the actions the UK Government could take to promote international cooperation and a coordinated global response to the pandemic.

The Committee welcomes submissions on the following points:

What impact will the global COVID-19 pandemic have on UK businesses trading internationally, in the short-, medium- and long-term?

• How effectively has the Government responded, both in the UK and in overseas posts, to the short-term negative impact of the pandemic on UK businesses trading internationally? What further steps could be taken to mitigate this impact?
• What medium- and long-term negative impacts could arise from the pandemic for UK businesses trading internationally? What steps could the Government take to mitigate these impacts?
• What steps can UK businesses take to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic on international trade?
• How best can the UK Government facilitate trade in essential goods during the pandemic?
• How should the Department for International Trade work with the rest of central government, as well as devolved, local and regional government, to deliver a coordinated response to the pandemic?
• How can the UK Government engage with countries at the World Trade Organization and bilateral trading partners – including those with which the UK has a significant trading relationship or one facilitating trade in priority goods – to promote international cooperation and a coordinated global response to the pandemic?
• How might the pandemic impact global trade patterns and international supply chains in the long term?

The deadline for responses is 5pm on 24 April 2020. To read the announcement in full and for access to the inquiry page, click here.