Background to the report

The Department for International Trade (DIT) was established in July 2016 in response to the UK’s decision to exit from the European Union (EU). DIT aims to secure UK and global prosperity by promoting international trade and investment, and championing free trade. DIT’s role sits alongside that of the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU), which is responsible for negotiating the future UK–EU relationship, including the terms of trade.

Jump to downloads

This briefing sets out government’s plans and progress to date in opening up overseas markets to UK businesses. It focuses in particular on preparations for negotiating free trade agreements. This is a new competency for the UK government, and one which could have long-lasting implications for UK citizens and significant areas of the UK economy, such as food and financial services.

Content and scope of the report

The aim of the briefing is to:

  • identify matters that government could consider at this early stage to help it achieve value for money;
  • set out issues that the National Audit Office (NAO) will examine in future value-for-money reviews; and
  • assist Parliament in its understanding and scrutiny of trade agreements.

As this is an emerging area of government activity, we have not audited the value for money of government’s overall approach.

Downloads

Publication details

Press release

View press release (17 May 2019)

Latest reports