The United Kingdom has secured a major trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, a bloc comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in a deal expected to significantly boost economic ties between both regions.
The agreement is projected to be worth around £3.7 billion to the UK economy and is expected to remove approximately £580 million annually in tariffs on British exports once fully implemented. Key UK exports set to benefit include dairy products such as cheddar cheese and butter, as well as confectionery like chocolate.
The deal is designed to make it easier for British companies to operate, expand, and form partnerships across Gulf markets, with officials stating that it will help support jobs and strengthen long-term trade relations.
The agreement marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first trade deal between a G7 country and the Gulf Cooperation Council. It also represents the third major trade agreement concluded under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following similar deals with India and South Korea.
While business groups have welcomed the agreement as a boost to investor confidence and international trade, some activist organisations have raised concerns over the lack of detailed provisions on human rights and labour protections within the deal.
The UK Conservative Party, which initiated negotiations while in government, described the agreement as a key post-Brexit opportunity, while also criticising the current government’s approach to EU relations.
