New UK–Gulf Free Trade Agreement Announced
21.05.2026
The UK has successfully concluded Free Trade Agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — a landmark deal expected to strengthen trade ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions.
The agreement is projected to add billions to the UK economy, reduce tariffs on UK exports and create new opportunities for manufacturers, exporters and investors across sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and innovation.
As global trade becomes increasingly uncertain, the deal sends a strong signal that the UK remains committed to open and fair trade, helping businesses access new markets with greater confidence and certainty.
With an increasing rise in global trade and economic protectionism, today’s announcement of the successful conclusion to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between the United Kingdon (UK) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sends a powerful signal that the UK is open for business and remains resolute in its commitment to free and fair trade.
"This agreement will support future economic growth for the world’s 6th and 9th largest economies. It will catalyse collaboration between two of the world’s largest and dynamic economies and will drive greater innovation, unlock growth, and build prosperity across a long-established and rich-in heritage corridor of trade, capital, and investment.
This future agreement should give British businesses the confidence they need to enter the market, trade more easily and benefit from the massive opportunity from the Region’s sustainable energy transition and collaboration in advanced manufacturing technological advancements.
