UK shippers could miss out on freeport tariff benefits due to trade deal 'error'

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UK port associations are seeking clarification over claims that domestic shippers could miss out on the benefits of the recently announced freeport developments due to small print in post-Brexit trade deals.

News broke this morning that secretary of state for international trade Liz Truss reportedly signed 23 ’rollover deals’ with countries including Canada, Norway and Singapore containing clauses which could stop manufacturers benefiting from freeport tax breaks.

In a letter to Ms Truss, shadow secretary of state Emily Thornberry expressed “deep concern” that ...