UK signs trade agreement with Gulf states

The UK has reached a trade agreement with the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, becoming the first Group of Seven country to secure such a deal with the bloc.

The agreement includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and is expected to bring relatively limited economic gains for the UK.

“At a time of increased instability, today’s announcement sends a clear signal of confidence,” UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said.

Under the agreement, $778m worth of tariffs on UK exports to Gulf countries will be removed, including on food, medical equipment, and advanced manufacturing goods.