UK signs post-Brexit trade continuity deal with Switzerland

A downcast Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on May's Brexit deal, in London, Britain, January 15, 2019 in this screengrab taken from video. - Reuters

LONDON: The U.K. reached an agreement with Switzerland that will allow it to continue trade without any additional tariffs after it leaves the European Union.

The deal means the nations can avoid having to trade under World Trade Organization terms, and eliminates duties on most goods traded between the U.K. and Switzerland, according to a statement Monday. The British automotive sector could avoid up to 8 million pounds ($10 million) a year in tariff charges under the agreement, it said.

“Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year,” Trade Secretary Liam Fox said. “Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the U.K. but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU.” - Bloomberg