Hello from London, where I’m attending DTX to speak about — yes, you’ve guessed it — tech and geopolitics! September has been a wild month and October is proving no less quiet already. See our update below and do reach out if you’d like to be involved in our international policy and trade work.
World Trade Report 2025: “40 By 40” – AI To Boost Trade By Nearly 40%
The World Trade Organization’s 2025 World Trade Report has put artificial intelligence at the center of trade discussions. Launched at the WTO Public Forum on 17 September, the report shows that with the right policies, AI could increase global trade by 34–37% by 2040.
This “40 by 40” effect would be driven by:
Lower trade costs through AI-enabled efficiency gains.
Growth of tradeable AI services.
Productivity boosts in trade-intensive sectors.
In 2023 alone, trade in AI-enabling goods such as semiconductors and critical inputs reached USD 2.3 trillion. Whether these gains are inclusive will depend on bridging digital divides, upskilling workers, and ensuring open, rules-based trade.
The WTO has also launched a new Data Blog to explore these trends - see it here.
techUK at the WTO Public Forum 2025
Last month, techUK took a strong delegation to Geneva for the WTO Public Forum, where we championed digital trade, AI, and the future of multilateral rules.
New Section 232 Tariffs Expand To Pharma, Machinery & Furniture
The Trump Administration has expanded Section 232 tariffs, citing national security. From October 1, tariffs apply as follows:
25% on heavy trucks
50% on kitchen cabinets and vanities
30% on upholstered furniture
100% on branded drug imports (with exemptions for U.S. investors)
The Commerce Department has also opened a new investigation into robotics and industrial machinery, with recommendations due by mid-2026.
Us–india Trade Talks Strained
Talks in Washington have been overshadowed by disputes over H-1B visa fees and India’s Russian oil imports. A new $100,000 H-1B application fee will heavily impact Indian IT professionals, while tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports remain in place.
These frictions are testing the strength of the U.S.–India partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
North America Begins Usmca Review
Consultations are under way in the three countries ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. Canada and Mexico have announced a three-year cooperation plan on energy, infrastructure, and security, presenting a united front ahead of talks with Washington.
For U.S. businesses, the review could strengthen supply chain protections - but risks remain as tariffs are reimposed and long-standing disputes on autos, steel, and farm goods resurface.
techUK Delegation to Washington D.C.
Last week, techUK led our annual delegation to Washington D.C., engaging U.S. officials, Congress, and business leaders on digital trade, the UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal, and broader transatlantic cooperation.
The UK is close to finalising a critical minerals partnership with Greenland, according to reporting by POLITICO. Prime Minister Keir Starmer could sign the deal in Copenhagen at the European Political Community summit.
Greenland’s reserves are central to clean energy and supply chain resilience
EU AI Act Delay Under Review
The European Commission is considering a delay in the implementation of high-risk system requirements under the AI Act. Lucilla Sioli, head of the EU AI Office, told the POLITICO Competitive Europe Summit today that delays in standard-setting may require adjustments to the timeline.
Sioli stressed this is not a pause of the Act, but rather a check on when technical standards can realistically be delivered.
EU Ict Supply Chain Security Toolbox Nears Completion
EU governments are finalising a new ICT supply chain security toolbox designed to help member states assess and restrict “high-risk suppliers” in key sectors, from connected vehicles to energy networks.
The framework provides a common - though non-binding - approach to evaluate risks and set national measures, reflecting growing concerns over cyber vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
If you made it all the way to the end, thank you! See you in two weeks - we’ll try to keep track of the world for you in the meantime.
For more information on any of the above, please contact:
Sabina Ciofu
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
techUK Report - Enabling Growth and Resilience: the UK Tech Sector in an Uncertain World
New techUK report outlines key policy recommendations to boost the UK’s growth through the tech sector amid global challenges, emphasising resilience, trade leadership, and strategic investment.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Lewis' programmes cover a range of policy areas within Market Access (international trade regulation, sanctions and export controls, technical standards and product compliance, supply chains) and Consumer Tech (media and broadcast policy, consumer electronics, and connected home technology).
Prior to joining techUK, Lewis worked in government affairs and policy roles for international trade associations in Southeast Asia including the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
He holds an undergraduate degree in Social and Political Sciences from the University of Cambridge and an MSc in Public Policy & Management from SOAS University of London.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.
Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.
As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.
Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.
Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.
She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
