The search for the perfect UK trade policy buzzwords continues. Not been a shortage of those. Content and strategy on the other hand...

Meanwhile the majority remain unaware of the big changes affecting over half of our trade from January 1. https://www.ft.com/content/eaf8c7e7-8271-46e5-bc46-3409da270664?desktop=true&segmentId=7c8f09b9-9b61-4fbb-9430-9208a9e233c8

Apparently UK-EU talks continue with "progress" but not "breakthroughs" on sensitive topics. Which isn't completely surprising - how do you structure commitments or make concessions when you don't trust the other party?

More on the new UK trade policy buzzwords - I think you'll agree a fine collection of meaningless words dressed up as something terribly profound.

What is missing from UK trade policy:

- understanding of modern trade (global value chains)
- realistic targets for what can be achieved
- clear policy goals
- a sense of government acting on behalf of business and civil society
- openness to scrutiny

So quite a lot really.

We still don't actually know why FTAs with Australia, New Zealand and the US, which appear only to be the answer to the question "which 3 English speaking countries are major agricultural exporters".

Oh, and services? Emerging economies? One day...