The UK Government has launched a trio of major strategies: National Security, Industrial, and Trade – with more detail on the new Trade Strategy below.
Meanwhile, with the 9 July deadline fast approaching for the end of the US’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, we’re keeping a close eye on how the “Big Beautiful Bill” is progressing in Congress – and what it means for ongoing trade negotiations with key partners.
UK Launches First Post-Brexit Trade Strategy
This morning, the UK Government published its first comprehensive Trade Strategy since leaving the EU. The Strategy marks a significant shift in the UK’s trade approach, prioritising services, digital trade, and resilience amid global economic headwinds.
Key announcements include:
A new Ricardo Fund to unlock up to £5 billion in export opportunities
Expansion of UK Export Finance to £80 billion, with new tools for SMEs
Strengthened trade defence instruments to protect UK industries
A more agile, targeted trade agreement strategy focused on high-growth sectors
Julian David, techUK CEO, responded:
techUK welcomes the launch of this trade strategy as a landmark moment. For the first time, we have a coherent, long-term plan that reflects the realities of current geopolitics and the UK’s unique strengths – particularly in services and high-growth, innovation-driven sectors like ours. It’s especially encouraging to see government pulling together the full suite of tools at its disposal – from digital trade agreements to commercial diplomacy and meaningful trade defence instruments. We look forward to working closely with government to turn this vision into impact and ensure the UK remains a leader in the global digital economy.
We're pleased that several of techUK’s recommendations from our January 2025 report on growth and resilience are reflected in the Strategy.
A short announcement is available on our website here. A full analysis will follow in the coming days. We are also engaging with the Department for Business and Trade to confirm a member briefing for next week.
UK-China Relations: Strategic Rebalancing in Motion
The UK’s newly published National Security Strategy outlines a renewed yet cautious approach to China. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised that “not engaging with China is no choice at all,” signalling a pivot toward “pragmatic cooperation” in areas aligned with the UK’s growth agenda.
“China is our third biggest trading partner, and will continue to play a vital role in supporting the UK’s secure growth,” Lammy told MPs.
While acknowledging risks around cybersecurity and human rights, the UK is preparing to reopen the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) dialogue after a seven-year pause. Key visits are expected:
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds might travel to China in September
A new British ambassador is due in Beijing the same month
It also became clear this week that the results of the China audit will not be published publicly.
Trade Deadlines and Tax Disputes: July 8 Looms
A flurry of U.S. trade negotiations are building toward a potential inflection point on 9 July, as the U.S. edges closer to finalising its domestic “megabill” – a sweeping tax and spending package.
Over 60 trading partners face the possibility of reciprocal tariffs up to 50% unless deals are struck by that date. A provision in the bill, known as Section 899, targets countries with digital services taxes, a sticking point in U.S. trade talks with the EU and others.
While the administration is optimistic about concluding talks soon, congressional divisions may delay progress.
Data Adequacy
The European Commission has given itself until 27 December to renew UK’s data adequacy decisions. The assessment process is now under way, following the UK’s passage of the Data Use and Access Bill earlier this month.
Looking Ahead
WTO Public Forum Delegation |Geneva | 17–18 September 2025
techUK invites members to join our delegation to the WTO Public Forum in Geneva. This year’s Forum arrives at a crucial moment for digital trade and ahead of the WTO’s next Ministerial Conference in March 2026.
Delegation to Washington D.C. |23–25 September 2025
Join us in Washington DC, where techUK members will meet senior US policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders during a pivotal period following the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal. Learn more and sign up via our event page.
For more information on any of the above, please contact:
Sabina Ciofu
Associate Director – International, techUK
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.
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.
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.
Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
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.
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.
