Welcome to November - can you believe we’re onlyâ¯45 days away from Christmas?!
As 2025 draws to a close, the pace of global trade and tech developments shows no sign of slowing. Here’s your roundup of the key international policy and trade updates shaping the landscape this week.
Council to eliminate customs ‘de minimis’ rule
EU member states are expected onâ¯Thursdayâ¯to approve plans to eliminate the⯑de minimis’â¯threshold that currently allows goods valued under⯀150â¯to enter the bloc duty-free.
The move forms part of the broaderâ¯EU customs reformâ¯package and will only take effect once the EU’sâ¯customs data hubâ¯is operational – likely inâ¯2028.
Discussions on the final details continue in theâ¯trilogue negotiationsâ¯between the EU institutions, with the reform aimed at tackling the surge inâ¯low-value imports, most of which originate fromâ¯China.
Under the new system,â¯duties will apply from the first euro of value, aligning customs rules with existingâ¯VAT requirementsâ¯for imported goods.
Peter Kyle to face trade committee questions in London
In London,â¯UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyleâ¯will appear before theâ¯House of Commons International Trade Committeeâ¯onâ¯Tuesdayâ¯- his first such appearance since his appointment inâ¯September.
MPs are expected to question him on theâ¯UK’s response to EU steel import quotas, progress on theâ¯UK’s anti-coercion instrument, and updates on ongoingâ¯free trade agreement (FTA)â¯negotiations with theâ¯Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),â¯Switzerland,â¯Türkiye, andâ¯South Korea.
Kyle’s session will also likely touch on theâ¯UK’s evolving trade prioritiesâ¯under the Labour government and its approach to balancing economic resilience with open market access.
China suspends export ban on key dual-use materials
Theâ¯Chinese Ministry of Commerceâ¯has announced aâ¯suspension of export restrictionsâ¯on several keyâ¯dual-use materials to theâ¯United States, following a recent easing of trade tensions.
The suspension coversâ¯gallium, germanium, and antimonyâ¯- materials critical forâ¯advanced semiconductors,â¯defence technologies, andâ¯electronics manufacturing.
The temporary measure, which runs untilâ¯27 November 2026, reverses last year’s export controls that had tightened oversight on sensitive materials includingâ¯graphite.
This move follows an agreement betweenâ¯President Xi Jinpingâ¯andâ¯President Donald Trumpâ¯to lower tariffs and relax certain trade measures for one year - offering relief to global supply chains.
Beijing has alsoâ¯loosened export checksâ¯onâ¯rare earthsâ¯andâ¯battery materials and resumedâ¯chip shipmentsâ¯to Europe’s manufacturing sector.
UK signs trade cooperation agreement with Oregon
Theâ¯United Kingdomâ¯has signed aâ¯non-binding trade cooperation agreementâ¯with theâ¯U.S. state of Oregon, bringing the total number of U.S. states with similar arrangements toâ¯eleven.
The agreement commits both parties to collaborate onâ¯clean energy,â¯technology,â¯advanced manufacturing,â¯infrastructure,â¯tourism, andâ¯innovation, while reaffirming support for theâ¯Paris Agreementâ¯on climate change.
Procurement and sustainability objectives feature prominently, with both sides pledging to explore opportunities under theâ¯WTO Government Procurement Agreement.
Although the Labour government hasâ¯deprioritisedâ¯state-level deals since coming to power, this marks theâ¯second such agreementâ¯signed this year, following one withâ¯Illinoisâ¯in April.
The UK now has similar accords withâ¯Texas, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Illinois,â¯andâ¯Oregon.
Developing nations back extension of WTO digital trade moratorium
A coalition ofâ¯79 developing nationsâ¯- represented byâ¯Barbadosâ¯on behalf of theâ¯African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) groupâ¯- has submitted a proposal toâ¯extend the WTO moratoriumâ¯on customs duties forâ¯digital trade transactions.
The draft decision, to be debated at theâ¯14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14)â¯inâ¯Cameroon (26–29 March 2026), calls for members to⯓maintain the current practice not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions until our next session in 2028.”
The accompanying ACP paper recognises theâ¯positive impact of the moratoriumâ¯on global e-commerce growth but also calls for furtherâ¯empirical researchâ¯into its implications for developing economies.
While many nations support renewal,â¯Indiaâ¯andâ¯South Africaâ¯remain opposed, arguing that developing countries should retain the right to taxâ¯digital importsâ¯for revenue generation.
Unless aâ¯consensusâ¯is reached, the moratorium willâ¯expire on 1 April 2026, potentially reshaping the digital trade environment worldwide.
That’s all for this week’sâ¯Global Tech and Trade Policy Update. As we edge closer to the end of the year, we’ll continue tracking how these decisions shape trade flows, digital commerce, and regulatory landscapes across regions.
Have a great week!
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.
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