Questions relating to trade in animal products attract far greater attention than their economic value would suggest. Concerns about human and animal health, the ability of countries to produce their own safe and cost-effective food, and fair competition among others mean Import checks are typically more onerous and tariffs higher. In the case of UK trade relations this has meant concern about reduced exports to the EU or increased imports of lower quality from the US, a potential shortage of vets, and interest in whether a UK-EU veterinary agreement could help.
Witnesses will be asked about the UK’s experiences of trade in animal products since January, and how this can be improved. This will cover the UK’s trade with the EU and globally, as well as movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. The interaction between potential EU veterinary agreement and US trade agreement will be a particular subject of focus.
