Key Provisions of the India–UK FTA

• Tariff Reductions: India will eliminate tariffs on 99% of British goods, including whisky, automobiles, and medical devices. Conversely, the UK will reduce tariffs on Indian exports such as textiles, leather, and engineering goods. Notably, whisky tariffs in India will decrease from 150% to 75%, with a further reduction to 40% over the next decade.
• Trade Volume Increase: The FTA is expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040, contributing an additional £4.8 billion to the UK's GDP each year.
• Labor Mobility: The agreement includes a "Double Contribution Convention," exempting Indian professionals temporarily posted to the UK from paying national insurance contributions for up to three years. This provision aims to facilitate the movement of skilled labor between the two countries.
• Investment Protections: An investment treaty accompanying the FTA will allow companies to sue either government if they believe policy changes unfairly harm their investment or profits. This mechanism is designed to protect investors against potential unfair treatment under local laws.

As of April 2025, just over **** of respondents to a survey on U.S. tariffs against the UK would support the government seeking a trade deal to reduce barriers, compared with ** percent who thought the UK should immediately introduce retaliatory tariffs.

The statistic shows the trade balance of goods (exports minus imports of goods) in the United Kingdom from 2014 to 2024. A positive value means a trade surplus, a negative trade balance means a trade deficit. In 2024, the trade deficit of goods in the United Kingdom amounted to about ****** billion U.S. dollars. On the effects of Brexit on the UK's economy The United Kingdom has maintained a trade deficit over the last ten years, but now that the country has chosen to leave the European Union, current trade agreements will need to be renegotiated and trade relationships and the trade balance will change. As of 2015, one of the UK’s most important import and export partners was Germany, but it also trades heavily with many other countries within the European Union; more than half of total value of the UK trade in goods is associated with European Union countries. Trade agreements which have been negotiated by the European Union extend beyond member countries, and the United Kingdom will now have to renegotiate its own trade deals with a far larger number of countries by itself. It remains to be seen as to how the UK will manage these negotiations. Another big question is how the UK banking sector will be able to access the European market. Services contributed close to ** percent of UK GDP, which includes banking services. While it is too soon predict how Brexit will impact the United Kingdom entirely, estimates of the decision’s long term effects estimate negative GDP growth of around **** percent in an optimistic scenario, with the pessimistic scenario estimating negative growth of around *** percent.

Delays in US tariff relief for British steel and other allies continue to harm global trade, with industries facing financial losses and uncertainty.

The Political Tension Index provides a real-time measure of global political risk sentiment, built using advanced natural language processing across thousands of international news sources. The dataset captures shifts in tone around governance, diplomacy, trade disputes, and leadership dynamics, offering investors and policymakers a forward-looking lens on systemic political instability. Our analysis of the past 12 months reveals that political risk has become structural rather than episodic, with trade tensions, tariff policies, and high-profile leadership events driving persistent volatility. Temporary improvements, such as the US–UK trade deal and global tariff talks, have proven short-lived, reinforcing the fragility of the geopolitical outlook. This dataset highlights the market sensitivity to political narratives, where protectionist measures or leadership controversies can move commodity prices, equities, currencies, and global risk appetite within hours. With daily updates, the Political Tension Index delivers a powerful data feed for hedge funds, risk managers, and macro strategists to integrate into models, stress testing, and portfolio overlays—enabling more adaptive and resilient risk management strategies. By providing real-time political sentiment data, the Index transforms unstructured media flow into structured, actionable insights, helping institutional users anticipate volatility before it fully manifests in market pricing.

Tesco chooses to keep sourcing beef from the UK and Ireland, ignoring a new US-UK trade deal that allows American beef imports.

The value of UK goods exported to Nigeria have seen fluctuations since 2012. In 2022, trade goods dispatched to Nigeria from the UK were worth around *** billion U.S. dollars, a slight increase on the year prior. The value of goods imported from Nigeria to the UK saw similar fluctuations, Nigeria had a slight trade surplus from its trade activities with the UK.

  Mineral fuels a valuable trade material   The UK is one of the most important import partners for Nigeria. Among the leading goods that the UK sends to Nigeria are mineral fuels and lubricants. Over the years, the value of UK export of such materials fluctuated before reaching ***** million U.S. dollars in 2017.

   UK-Nigeria trade under WTO   Nigeria is among the largest markets for UK exports. Currently, there is no existing trade deal between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, but the two countries trade under World Trade Orginastion terms, with a ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status granted to the UK.

This statistic presents results of a survey carried out in selected Latin American countries in July 2018 regarding the UK's influence in Latin America post Brexit. During the survey, 46 percent of Mexican respondents stated they believed UK leaving the EU would make it more influential in Latin America.

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Customs Audit Market Size 2025-2029

The customs audit market size is forecast to increase by USD 6.51 billion, at a CAGR of 8.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for efficient supply chain operations and the emergence of new customs regulations such as voluntary disclosure programs. These initiatives aim to streamline customs processes and mitigate potential risks, making customs audits an essential component of international trade. However, the market faces challenges, including the growing concern over cybersecurity breaches. As global trade becomes increasingly digital, the risk of data breaches and information theft increases, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data during customs audits.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities must prioritize compliance with evolving customs regulations and invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions to mitigate risks and maintain a competitive edge. Navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

What will be the Size of the Customs Audit Market during the forecast period?

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The market is characterized by continuous evolution and dynamic market activities. Entities involved in international trade are subject to a complex web of regulations, including supply chain management, free trade agreements, trade data, export regulations, customs valuation, rules of origin, internal controls, and trade agreements. These regulations are not static but rather unfold with the ongoing unfolding of market activities and evolving patterns. Customs compliance plays a crucial role in this landscape, with entities seeking to adhere to regulations and mitigate risks associated with sanctions compliance, anti-dumping duties, trade remedies, and other trade measures. Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade finance providers are key players in facilitating international trade, while customs technology and automated systems enable efficient customs clearance.

Bonded warehousing, duty drawback, and inventory management are essential aspects of customs compliance, allowing entities to minimize duties and taxes and optimize their supply chain operations. Trade data and analytics are increasingly important tools for monitoring and responding to changing regulations and market conditions. Export controls and import regulations also shape the market, with entities needing to navigate the intricacies of tariff classification, customs investigations, and countervailing duties. Documentary credits and free trade zones offer additional complexities, requiring a deep understanding of the customs landscape and the ability to adapt to changing regulations and market conditions.

In this context, compliance audits are a critical component of risk management strategies, enabling entities to identify and address potential compliance issues and minimize the risk of penalties and disruptions to their international trade operations. The market is a dynamic and evolving landscape, requiring ongoing attention and adaptation to ensure compliance and optimize international trade operations.

How is this Customs Audit Industry segmented?

The customs audit industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Service

  Customs audit services
  Customs advisory services


Type

  Financial audit
  Operational audit
  Compliance audit
  Risk management audit
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Service Insights

The customs audit services segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various entities that play a crucial role in international trade, including sanctions compliance, anti-dumping duties, trade remedies, customs broker, letters of credit, bonded warehousing, duty drawback, inventory management, supply chain management, free trade agreements, trade data, export regulations, customs valuation, rules of origin, internal controls, trade agreements, freight forwarder, trade finance, compliance audits, import regulations, data analytics, export controls, duty rates, risk management, customs compliance, countervailing duties, documentary credits, free trade zones, tariff classification, customs technology, automated systems, and customs investigations. In developed economies like th

The export trade of the European Union experienced some notable shifts over the two decades since 2002, with China emerging as a significant export market and the United Kingdom losing its place as the EU's single largest export partner. The United Kingdom's declining share of EU exports The UK, which was a member of the European Union until 2020, declined in its importance as an export market for EU producers over this period. Representing over a fifth of the export trade in 2002, the UK now takes only 13 percent of EU exports, and looks likely to be eclipsed by China's growing share in the coming years. The complications to EU-UK trade caused by the UK's exit agreement with the EU is also likely to contribute to slowing trade flows between the two partners. China's emergence as a key export market As with most other areas of the global economy, the past two decades has largely been the story of China's emergence as a key trading partner. China's share of EU exports was comparable to Japan or Norway at the beginning of the period, while it now represents the EU's third largest export market. While this is a significant change, China takes up a much larger share of imports into the EU, where it is the largest single trading partner. As Chinese incomes rise in the coming decades, the significance of China as an export market for EU producers is likely to rise, geopolitical tension notwithstanding. The Euro and exports to the U.S. The EU's export trade with the United States over this period experienced a relative decline in the period running up to 2014, as the Euro appreciated in its value against the U.S. dollar, making European exports more expensive for Americans. This declining share of the EU's export trade taken by the U.S. was reversed in the latter half of the 2010s however, as the Euro depreciated and European exports to the U.S. increased. Issues with Russia Another notable trend over the period was Russia's emergence as a key export market in the mid-2000s, as the Russian economy grew quickly and Russian consumers began to demand EU made products. Russia declined as a market for EU exports after 2014, as trade was complicated by Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, and the subsequent devaluation of the Ruble and collapse in the price of Ural crude oil.

In the year 2022, the value of trade goods exported from the United Kingdom to Chile was roughly *** million U.S. dollars. UK exports of trade goods to Chile fluctuated significantly in the time period between 2012 and 2022.

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Freight Forwarding Market Size 2025-2029

The freight forwarding market size is valued to increase USD 51.62 billion, at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2029. Increasing international trade will drive the freight forwarding market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 47% growth during the forecast period.
By Mode Of Transportation - Land freight segment was valued at USD 108.41 billion in 2023
By Application - Industrial and manufacturing segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 34.47 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 51.62 billion
CAGR : 4.1%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The market encompasses the global trade of transporting goods from one place to another, utilizing various modes of transportation such as air, sea, and land. Core technologies and applications, including the increasing usage of AI and ML, are revolutionizing the industry by optimizing logistics, enhancing supply chain visibility, and reducing operational costs. Service types or product categories, such as less-than-container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL), cater to diverse customer needs. Regulations, including the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) carbon intensity indicators and the European Union's (EU) Green Deal, are driving market evolution. With international trade continuing to grow, the market is expected to unfold with significant opportunities, despite challenges like high fuel and transportation costs.
According to recent estimates, the market is projected to account for over 30% of the global logistics market share by 2026. Related markets such as the logistics and transportation industries also contribute to the market's dynamics.

What will be the Size of the Freight Forwarding Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Freight Forwarding Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The freight forwarding industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Mode Of Transportation

  Land freight
  Ocean freight
  Air freight


Application

  Industrial and manufacturing
  Retail and E-commerce
  Food and beverages
  Healthcare
  Others


Service Type

  Transportation and warehousing
  Value-added services


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Mode Of Transportation Insights

The land freight segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The land freight segment, encompassing both road and rail transportation, is a crucial component of the global freight forwarding market. This segment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of goods over land, supporting both domestic and international trade.Road freightThe road freight segment is dynamic and vital, involving the transportation of goods via trucks, trailers, and other road vehicles. It serves as a primary mode of transport for a wide range of commodities, including manufactured goods, consumer products, and raw materials. One of the key attributes of road freight forwarding is its flexibility and last-mile connectivity. Road transports ability to reach remote locations and access points unattainable by other modes of transport provides a competitive edge for timely and efficient deliveries. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for industries with time-sensitive goods that require direct-to-door delivery and distribution.Road freights integration into multi-modal transportation networks further enhances its efficiency.

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The Land freight segment was valued at USD 108.41 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

By seamlessly connecting with other modes of transport such as rail and sea, road freight ensures the smooth and continuous movement of goods across various stages of the supply chain. This capability is essential for maintaining the flow of goods and meeting the demands of modern logistics.Rail freightThe rail freight segment is another critical component of the freight forwarding industry, responsible for the transportation of goods by rail between countries, as well as across continents. This segment encompasses a diverse array of services, including cargo handling, transportation management, customs clearance, and documentation compliance. Rail freight serves as a vital link in the global logistics network, facilitating the efficient movement of goods

Cars were the most valuable type of commodity exported from the United Kingdom in 2024, with exports of this commodity valued at approximately 32.9 billion British pounds. Mechanical power generators were the second-most valuable commodity in 2024, with an export value of around 32.7 billion pounds in this year. By comparison, the most valuable import commodity was also cars, amounting to over 38.4 billion British pounds. The next most valuable import commodity was medicinal and pharmaceutical products at over 27.2 million pounds in this year. UK main trading partners Although the share of both imports and exports from the European Union has been declining recently, the single market is still by far the UK's main trading partner. In terms of individual countries, the United States was the main export partner in 2024 at 16.1 percent of all exports, while Germany was the UK's main import partner with 12.5 percent of imports coming from there in 2024. A main argument of the Leave vote, was that the UK should seek to improve up its trade with the rest of the world, outside of Europe. The success of this 'Global Britain' strategy, depends on the UK significantly scaling up its trade with other continents, with countries outside of Europe still responsible for far less trade than European ones. Brexit and EU trade At the start of 2021, the United Kingdom exited both the European Single Market and the European Customs Union, with the UK's trading relationship with the EU now determined by a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Although the TCA continued tariff and quota-free goods trade between the EU and UK, a number of customs checks came into force, increasing trade friction between the two parties. The status of Northern Ireland in the initial agreement was also different from the rest of the UK. Goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain were initially subject to customs checks, to prevent customs checks occurring at the border with the Republic of Ireland. In February 2023, it was announced that under a new EU-UK agreement called the Windsor Framework, some goods entering Northern Ireland from Britain will be subject to fewer checks.

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