Written question asked by Callum Anderson (Labour) on Monday, 14 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 21 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Developing Countries Trading Scheme

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential long-term tariff revenue impact of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.

Answer: The Department has not undertaken a quantitative assessment of the future long-term tariff revenue impact of the DCTS. Before launching the DCTS, the Department estimated based on historical trade patterns, annual tariff savings of up to £770 million to UK imports, benefitting UK businesses and consumers.  The Scheme's primary objective is to support trade-led growth and poverty reduction in developing countries. Any long-term impact on UK tariff revenue is expected to be modest and proportionate to the development benefits it delivers.

Secondary information