A Huge Month Ahead for Global Trade and Geopolitics
It’s a pivotal few weeks on the global trade calendar: The G7 Summit, NATO Summit, and an EU Summit all land in June - just ahead of the 9 July expiry of the US 90-day pause on new trade measures. With tensions simmering across transatlantic and transpacific channels, leaders and negotiators face a critical window to shape outcomes and avert escalation.
EU-US Trade: Narrow Path to a Deal
EU officials return to Brussels this week following intensive talks in Washington aimed at preventing extra tariffs of up to 50% on EU exports.
The scope for agreement remains narrow. U.S. demands - from balanced goods trade to influence over EU digital and sustainability rules - clash with core EU regulatory sovereignty. Meanwhile, existing U.S. tariffs on autos and the baseline duty are unlikely to shift.
Brussels hopes for modest wins on technical barriers, steel, and a framework for AI export controls. In return, it may offer greater market access for US LNG and beef. Retaliatory options remain on the table, but there is limited appetite in the EU to escalate.
US-China Trade: Fragile Framework Agreed
US and Chinese negotiators have struck a framework deal to keep their trade truce on track - with China committing to lift restrictions on critical rare earth exports.
The agreement, reached in London, now awaits approval from Presidents Trump and Xi. Recent revisions to planned US port fees - reducing potential costs for foreign shippers - also helped ease tensions.
While progress has been made, both sides acknowledge that significant differences remain, and the priority now is to keep talking.
UK-China Relations: Economic Dialogue Revived
The UK and China will soon hold the 14th Joint Economic and Trade Committee, agreeing to deepen cooperation in sectors including digital, green, and financial services.
China reiterated its intent to further open its market to UK firms, while UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stressed Britain’s commitment to growing bilateral trade - particularly in services - and resolving differences through dialogue.
UK and EU: Holding the Line on China’s Trade Practices
The UK and EU presented a united front last week in Brussels, warning against unfair Chinese trade practices such as state subsidies and market barriers.
Speaking at the Brussels Economic Security Forum, UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds vowed that Britain would “hold the line” alongside its allies to defend European industries from distortive practices.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič echoed the call, stressing that while the EU values its relationship with China, Beijing must address systemic issues - including overcapacity, critical minerals restrictions, and barriers to market access.
Šefčovič also raised concerns about China’s rare earth export curbs, which threaten European auto production, and pointed to escalating disputes over Chinese EV subsidies and new EU restrictions on Chinese medtech firms.
The coordinated messaging comes as the UK and EU seek to reassure Washington of their seriousness in tackling China’s nonmarket practices - part of a broader effort to temper transatlantic trade tensions.
In Focus: Countdown to July 9
With the 90-day pause in the U.S. trade war ending next month - and high-profile summits dominating the weeks ahead - the global trade landscape remains volatile. We’ll continue tracking developments closely.
Lookahead: Autumn trade delegations
techUK members are invited to join two trade delegations in September:
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.
International Trade Conference 2026 | Time to Trade: Taking UK Tech to the World in 2026
On 3 March, we will bring together tech experts, policy makers, academics and thought leaders at techUK’s flagship International Policy & Trade Conference
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK, 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.
Join us on 16 March for techUK’s annual Policy Conference, bringing together senior leaders from government, regulators, industry and academia to discuss the key issues shaping UK tech.
