The UK’s Post-Brexit Trade Policy

Abstract

The article focuses on the positions of Britain and the EU in the process of a post-Brexit trade agreement. The key disagreements between the parties that almost led to the failure of the deal are described. The final agreement reached on December 24, 2020 ‒ a week before the end of the transition period ‒ is analyzed. The agreement formally allowed London and Brussels to declare the achievement of their main goals. At the same time, the agreement did not solve all the problems between the parties. The efforts of the United Kingdom to conclude trade agreements with the United States and some other partners after Brexit are also considered. London's initial reliance on President Donald Trump's promises to conclude the most favorable agreement after Brexit did not materialize, and serious disagreements arose between the parties that could not be resolved quickly. The economic benefits of Brexit are not obvious in the near future.