Some Scepticism Over the UK Freeport Policy as Report Published
Internal Political Wrangle Does Not Inspire Confidence
UK – With the release of the report on UK Freeports by the International Trade Committee the tone from some quarters is less than enthusiastic. The policy was always to prove controversial when promoted by a government which has a track record of previously proposed transport policies about as popular as a European Football Super League (think ferry companies with no ships, parking for post Brexit traffic, Smart motorways which aren t etc.).
For those who don’t know, Freeports are designated areas which enjoy various concessions on customs and other benefits. Despite being within a country’s geographical borders, Freeports are effectively outside a country’s customs borders. This means goods imported into a Freeport are generally exempt from customs duties until they leave the Freeport and enter the domestic market. No duty is payable if they are re-expo
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Freeports, Fuel Duty and Tax Changes Delight for Some and an Anathema to Others
UK Logistics Sector Gives a Variable Reaction to Budget
UK – The logistics sector drew breath this week and then released a torrent of words to comment on the Budget measures, taken as they are in the light of chaos caused by both the Covid pandemic and the exit from Europe.
Whilst some see Freeports as the road to Damascus, others are sceptical of the advantages or downright hostile, seeing them as an excuse to lower employment standards. Measured comments come from such as Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), who welcomed some of the macro-economic announcements in the UK Budget that will offer ongoing support to businesses in the freight and logistics sector that have been hit hard by the double whammy, saying: