A post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and Japan has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).
The UK’s trade pact with the world’s third largest economy aims to increase trade between the countries by around £15 billion.
International Secretary of State Liz Truss has called the announcement a “historic moment” for the UK, and stated that it will bring “new wins” for British food and drink.
The deal will mean that around 99% of exports between the two nations will be tariff-free, with a particular focus on food and drink.
The NFU welcomed the announcement as it had lobbied for a deal which did not disadvantage British farmers.
The union said it sought the same level of market access for the UK that was afforded to EU farmers through the EU-Japan deal.
This trade agreement, which the NFU called “very positive”, will see around 85% of EU agri-food products allowed to enter Japan duty-free over time.
Trade deal is ‘good news’
NFU president Minette Batters said the UK and Japan trade deal was “good news”.
“It is an important step to ensuring some continuity in our existing trading relationships before the end of the transition period.
We will continue to analyse this agreement to properly assess the impacts and opportunities this will bring to British farmers.
She said aspects of this agreement that were positive for agriculture include reduced tariffs on agri-products and the increased number of geographical indications.
“Safeguards on some of our iconic products through these indications recognise the quality of the food we produce in this country.
“We hope this will further grow the fantastic British brand in overseas markets,” Batters said.
