The new deal would expand upon the tariff-free arrangement signed in 2020, which was rolled over from when the UK left the EU.
The current FTA covers goods, but not areas such as services, digital and data.
In the opinion of Alan Williams, Davies Turner’s company director, the agreement supports the trading relationship between the UK and Türkiye, and brings benefits to UK importers and exporters, as well as the freight forwarding and logistics companies that manage their supply chains.
Williams adds that a new broader deal could boost trade and help businesses maximise opportunities in this area.
Davies Turner operates multiple daily two-way overland and multimodal trailer services between the UK and Türkiye in a long-standing partnership with Istanbul-based Ekol, one of the country’s largest freight and warehousing operators.
Commenting on the possibility of a new FTA, Williams said:
“The tariff-free trading agreement signed in 2020, along with the problems in long distance supply chains, which have increasingly prompted traders to turn to Türkiye as an alternative source of supply to countries in Asia, has had a major impact on the uptick in trading volumes between the two countries over the last two years. In welcoming the news, we would also be delighted to provide input into any consultation that is conducted ahead of the start of negotiations, which is expected in 2024.”
