European manufacturing and supply chains are deeply interconnected. Many products contain components and materials sourced from multiple countries before reaching the final customer.

Make UK supports measures to strengthen European industrial resilience and investment. However, any new requirements under the Industrial Accelerator Act should recognise the contribution of trusted partners, including the UK, that are fully integrated into European supply chains.

Made in Europe

The UK and EU are close manufacturing partners. As the legislation develops, it is important that new rules support integrated supply chains rather than create new barriers.

Make UK is calling for a "Made with Europe" approach that recognises the contribution of trusted partners such as the UK to European manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

What this could mean for UK manufacturers

The current proposal recognises the UK's existing trade agreements with the EU. However, there are concerns that future sector-specific rules could introduce additional local content or production requirements.

If this happens, UK manufacturers could face new barriers when supplying EU markets or participating in European supply chains.

This is particularly relevant in sectors with highly integrated UK-EU supply chains, including:

  • Automotive manufacturing
  • Steel and aluminium
  • Batteries and clean technologies
  • Renewable energy supply chains
  • Net-zero manufacturing technologies

What is Make UK calling for?

UK-made components and products should continue to be treated fairly and not face unnecessary barriers when competing in EU markets.

We are calling for:

UK-manufactured products and components should continue to receive equivalent treatment to EU content where provided for under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and international procurement obligations.

The legislation should remain consistent with commitments under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement.

The principles of openness and fair competition should apply across all sectors covered by the Act, including strategic industries such as automotive manufacturing.

Any content requirements should reflect the realities of modern manufacturing supply chains and avoid creating unnecessary costs or sourcing restrictions.

Policy measures should strengthen, rather than fragment, the established industrial relationships that underpin Europe's manufacturing resilience and competitiveness.