Fiji guarantees continuity despite the UK's departure from the EU
UK-Fiji Trade Relationship Secured Post-Brexit with Economic Partnership Agreement
The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union (EU) has brought about changes in international trade agreements, but the UK-Fiji relationship remains strong. The Fijian government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the UK, following the official Brexit.
This commitment is reflected in the UK-Pacific Islands Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a continuity agreement that replicates the existing EU-Pacific Islands trade arrangements. This agreement ensures tariff-free and quota-free trade can continue between the UK and Pacific Island countries, including Fiji.
For Fiji, the EPA guarantees that trade with the UK will maintain the preferences and conditions previously enjoyed under the EU’s agreements. This ensures no disruption occurs to exports and imports despite Brexit, sustaining market access and regulatory arrangements that are critical for Fiji’s economy and trade stability with the UK.
The UK’s post-Brexit approach categorises it as a continuity or rollover agreement, meaning it largely duplicates the EU’s EPA terms with minimal changes. This provides legal certainty and avoids trade barriers for partner countries.
By doing so, Fiji and other Pacific Island states retain the benefits of market access to the UK without new tariffs or quotas, which supports economic stability and ongoing business activities.
The UK-Pacific Islands EPA is part of the UK’s broader strategy to maintain and deepen trade relationships globally. This is demonstrated by its membership in broader frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and ongoing pursuit of new trade deals with countries worldwide.
The British High Commission in Fiji welcomes the Fijian government's acceptance of the EU notification, providing an important platform for continuity within bilateral and multilateral agreements. At the end of the transition period, the UK and Fiji will bring into force the UK-Pacific Islands EPA, which will govern trade between the two nations.
The Fijian government's acceptance of the EU notification regarding International Agreements, as shared in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement, sets the stage for the implementation of the UK-Pacific Islands EPA. This agreement is designed to maintain continuity for citizens and businesses on both sides, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted trade continuity post-Brexit.
The UK-Fiji trade continuity under the UK-Pacific Islands EPA will commence post-Brexit, providing a solid foundation for the future of UK-Fiji trade relations.
Politics surrounding policy-and-legislation played a significant role in the UK's exit from the EU, but the UK's general-news, such as the UK-Fiji Trade Relationship, remained a focal point. The UK-Fiji trade relationship was secured post-Brexit through the UK-Pacific Islands Economic Partnership Agreement, a continuity agreement that ensures tariff-free and quota-free trade between the UK and Fiji, thereby maintaining the conditions previously enjoyed under EU agreements.
