Happy February! After a week of Arctic weather in Washington, DC, I’m especially grateful for the milder winter in our parts of the world. Here’s your latest briefing on key developments at the intersection of tech, trade and geopolitics.
1) U.S.–U.K. Critical Minerals Partnership
The United States and United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals in Washington, DC, aimed at securing resilient supply chains and driving investment into mining, processing, and refining projects that are essential for energy, defence, and advanced technology sectors.
This deal is part of a broader U.S.-led push to build a critical minerals alliance with partners including the EU, Japan, Mexico, Australia, South Korea and others to reduce reliance on China’s dominant position in rare earths and lithium.
Why it matters: Critical minerals are foundational to electric vehicles, AI hardware, semiconductors and clean energy - so strategic diversifications reverberate across tech and industrial policy.
2) EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement Now in Force
On 1 February 2026, the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) officially entered into force. This is the EU’s first standalone digital trade pact, setting rules that facilitate cross-border digital transactions, promote paperless trade, support consumer trust, and prohibit unjustified data localisation and forced code transfer requirements.
Key outcomes include:
Legal certainty for e-signatures, e-contracts and digital trade flows
Consumer protections for privacy and unsolicited communication
Enhanced predictability for businesses engaging in cross-border digital services
3) U.S. Executive Order on Iran-Related Tariffs
On Friday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting U.S. agencies authority to investigate and potentially raise tariffs on countries that continue to buy goods or services from Iran - with China being the largest purchaser of Iranian oil.
Rather than imposing tariffs immediately, the order triggers a Commerce Department investigation and subsequent State Department discretion on action. This follows earlier directives and heightens geopolitical pressure in the context of diplomatic talks with Tehran.
4) Prince William’s Gulf Visit & Gulf States’ AI Ambitions
The Prince of Wales is in Saudi Arabia this week, part of a diplomatic push to finally conclude a U.K.–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement after nearly four years of talks. Royal diplomatic engagement is expected to help nudge negotiations over the line and reinforce trust with GCC partners.
Separately, the Gulf states are aggressively building a full AI infrastructure stack - from compute capacity to data governance - positioning the region as a potential third global AI power center distinct from the U.S. and China.
5) EU Extends Suspension of Trade Retaliation Against the U.S.
The European Commission has extended the suspension of its trade retaliation measures against the United States until 6 August 2026 to maintain the political agreement anchored in the “Turnberry” framework. This decision follows consultations with member states and underscores tensions over U.S. tariffs and ongoing WTO concerns.
The Commission reaffirmed that U.S. tariffs remain incompatible with WTO law, even as both sides seek stability in transatlantic trade.
6) Opportunity for SMEs: Small Business Champions Competition
Deadline to apply: 16 March 2026.
The Small Business Champions 2026 competition - run by the ICC, ITC, WTO MSME Group, and ITU - is seeking innovative AI solutions that help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leverage AI to enhance global trade operations, reduce costs, and increase supply chain visibility. Winners will be announced on MSME Day (29 June 2026) at the WTO in Geneva, with opportunities to present at the AI for Good Global Summit. This is a big chance for tech-centric SMEs to amplify their international impact.
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.
