The UK has secured billions of pounds in export and investment opportunities following prime minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China last week.
During the visit, the prime minister welcomed £2.2bn in confirmed export deals, alongside around £2.3bn in market-access gains expected over the next five years, in addition to hundreds of millions of pounds in new investment commitments.
China also agreed to cut tariffs on UK whisky from 10% to 5%, a move projected to generate £250m for the UK economy over five years.
Chinese entertainment brand POP MART, producer of Labubus, confirmed plans to establish London as its regional hub, supporting its expansion to 27 new European stores in 2026.
Automotive manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicles agreed to open its European headquarters in Liverpool, pledging to support the development of the local green supply chain.
In the life sciences sector, AstraZeneca committed £15bn to expand innovative R&D programmes in China, underpinning 10,000 UK jobs. Chinese contract development and manufacturing organisation Asymchem announced an expansion of its UK operations, while Welsh manufacturer Cultech is partnering with China Resources to generate £90m in exports. Birmingham Biotech also expects £20m in health-product sales in the Chinese market.
Beijing Capital launches new Glasgow-Zhengzhou freight service
In logistics, Glasgow Prestwick Airport opened three direct cargo routes to China in November, strengthening its role as a UK export hub. The expansion is valued at £76m in new business and is expected to create 250 jobs by next year, according to a statement.
“We are bringing stability, clarity and a long-term strategy to how we engage with China, so we can bring home the benefits for businesses and for working people,” the prime minister said.
Business and trade secretary Peter Kyle added: “We will leave China having put our relationship with one of the world’s biggest economies on a stronger footing, unlocking billions for the UK, and setting the course for new commercial partnerships.”
A series of cooperation agreements were also signed to expand market access for UK firms across services, agriculture, food, retail, sport and life sciences.
In addition, a new food-safety cooperation mechanism will accelerate import approvals, helping UK companies reduce costs and enter China’s fast-growing market more efficiently.
IntraLogisteX Singapore
connects providers of effective supply chain & logistics solutions with an engaged audience of supply chain & manufacturing professionals. With the Asia Pacific intralogistics and materials handling markets growing rapidly and expected to be worth $50bn by 2030, Singapore is the perfect location for the next iteration of IntraLogisteX as it has long been a crucial node on the global logistics map.
